Fairhope, Alabama – State health officials in Alabama are currently investigating a concerning “gastrointestinal outbreak” at Fairhope West Elementary School in Baldwin County. The school made the decision to close its doors through Friday after nearly 800 students were absent on Wednesday. Out of the 974 total students, only 201 were present for classes, indicating a significant number of absences due to the outbreak.
While not all 773 absent students were reported as ill, symptoms such as vomiting and nausea have been associated with the incident. The Alabama Department of Public Health has acknowledged the situation, providing specimen collection materials for testing through the Bureau of Clinical Laboratories to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Superintendent Eddie Tyler of Baldwin County Schools addressed the issue in a letter to parents of Fairhope West Elementary School, stating the necessity of the closure. Tyler emphasized the importance of containing the contagion by conducting a thorough cleaning of the school during the closure period to ensure the safety of students and staff upon their return.
In addition to Fairhope West Elementary, Fairhope East Elementary has also been impacted by the outbreak, albeit to a lesser extent. Specific details regarding the number of affected students at Fairhope East Elementary were not disclosed by Tyler.
The closure of Fairhope West Elementary serves as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of the illness within the school community. Officials are working diligently to address the situation and ensure that necessary steps are taken to mitigate the outbreak. Parents and students are advised to stay informed and adhere to any guidelines provided by health authorities during this time.