Norovirus outbreak hits Queens school

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - More than 200 students from P.S. 12 The James B. Colgate School in Woodside, Queens, stayed home Thursday after an apparent outbreak of norovirus. Both Wednesday and Thursday, dozens of children went home sick with stomach flu symptoms.

Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It tends to spread quickly in group settings like schools, nursing homes, and cruise ships, said Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said the Health Department is investigating the outbreak. The school will be open Friday before being cleaned for a second time over the weekend, but the mayor said any student or faculty member who feels sick should definitely stay home.