Stomach illness hits Gwinnett middle school hard

175 students, three staff absent from school Friday.

A total of 175 students and three staff members were absent Friday from Gwinnett County’s Lanier Middle School, two days after a stomach illness struck the school.

Nine students checked out due to viral gastroenteritis at the school, said district spokesman Bernard Watson.

Watson said a crew would thoroughly clean the school Friday evening. The school is in Sugar Hill and has about 1,400 students.

Viral gastroenteritis can result in stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea. The symptoms can be serious for young children and older adults.

Principal Todd Hamilton sent a letter to parents Wednesday alerting them about the situation. Ill students have been urged to stay home until their symptoms are gone for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication.

He also stressed the importance of students thoroughly washing their hands before preparing or eating food, after going to the bathroom and upon returning home from school in the afternoon.

On Wednesday, 68 students were absent, sent home or checked out.

A similar virus occurred at Gwinnett’s Britt Elementary School in February.