County: Possible Norovirus Outbreak in Lafayette Schools

County health officials are monitoring a suspected norovirus outbreak in Lafayette schools, which has resulted in a large number of absences from Burton Valley Elementary School.

Custodians spent the weekend intensively cleaning classrooms, the Contra Costa Times reported. There have also been a high number of absences at Stanley Middle School in Lafayette.

Norovirus is a highly contagious cause of gastrointestinal illness, according to Contra Costa Health Services. It most often circulates in the winter. Sometimes called the "stomach flu," it is not related to influenza. Frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of norovirus.