Weston school reopens after hundreds reported sick

District says more than 300 students experienced symptoms of gastroenteritis

WESTON, Fla. ā€“ Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston will reopen Monday after being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized over the weekend.

Broward County Public Schools said the school had more than 300 students who reported experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis on Friday, which can include vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

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The school board sent out letters electronically to parents Friday, which stated that the Florida Department of Health in Broward is working to determine the cause of the illness.

As a precautionary measure, the DOH is advising the water fountains in the school not be utilized Monday. They are encouraging students to bring a personalized bottle of water.

"Please be assured that we are taking all possible preventative actions, including encouraging/reinforcing proper hand washing and conducting thorough cleanings of classrooms," read the letter to parents and guardians of students. "It is important that your child does not return to school until symptom free."

The DOH is advising parents to take the following precautionary measures:

  • Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and prior to eating.
  • If your child has "stomach flu-like" symptoms, including upset stomach, vomiting, fever and/or diarrhea, please keep your child home from school.
  • Should symptoms persist, have your child examined by his/her health care provider.
  • It is important that your child does not return to school until symptom free.