Around 100 students experiencing stomach illness at Kealing Middle School, letter says

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Families of students at Kealing Middle School were notified after around 100 students were sent home early or were absent Thursday due to a reported stomach illness, according to a letter from Principal Timothy Estes.

This comes after a majority of those students participated in an orchestra concert that happened Wednesday night, the letter said.

“While we cannot yet confirm the source of this illness, we want to inform our community immediately and advise caution,” the letter said in part.

The letter went on to say that the AISD Health Department is “working closely with local officials to follow all necessary protocols regarding potential tracking and sanitation measures.”

Furthermore, the middle school will get a “deep cleaning” with “an emphasis” in the areas where students performed and rehearsed, the letter said.

Families are urged to monitor their students, especially if they are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Here are steps to follow if students start experiencing symptoms, as provided by the middle school:

• Keep students home and do not send them to school. They also cannot participate in any “school-related activities.” Students should stay home until they have not experienced symptoms for at least 24 hours and are not using “symptom-suppressing medication.”
• Contact a doctor for further guidance.
• Notify the middle school. If the child receives a diagnosis “with a contagious illness,” then the school nurse or main office need to be notified.

“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we prioritize the health and safety of our entire school community. We will be sure to follow-up if we gain further insight into the source of the illness,” the letter said.