Norovirus Outbreak Forces Dearborn Heights School To Remote Learning

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — A norovirus outbreak forced a Dearborn Heights elementary school to shift to online learning.

Students at Polk Elementary School will switch to remote learning from Feb. 17 through Feb. 22. Students are expected to return to in-person classes on Feb. 23.

"This will allow the district to conduct a deep cleaning of the building," Dearborn Heights School District No. 7 Superintendent Ty Weeks said. "Students will bring home the necessary equipment and materials to allow them to learn remotely."

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. People with the virus are highly contagious for at least three days after a person recovers from symptoms.

The virus passes easily and quickly by having direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water and touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth, according to the CDC.

Most people recover from the virus, but health officials warn some cases could become severe, particularly in young children, the elderly and people with other medical illnesses are most at risk for more severe or prolonged infection.

More than 109,000 people are hospitalized with the virus every year. At least 900 people die, according to the CDC.