Stomach flu closes elementary school in Lyons

LYONS, Ill. (WLS) -- Robinson Elementary School in southwest suburban Lyons was closed due to an outbreak of the norovirus, which is more commonly referred to as the stomach flu.

"It begins with I'm not feeling so good, and then goes into the symptoms," Dr. Mary Jo Vladika, superintendent of Lyons Elementary School District 103 said. About 80 children, one-third of the student population, either called in sick or went home early Wednesday so the district decided to close Robinson for cleaning on Thursday.

"They have been cleaning all the areas, which is the standard protocol. They've also been conscious about disinfecting all the hard surfaces, just getting in there and making sure everything is clean," Al Molina, Robinson Elementary School principal said.

Classes and after school activities were both canceled.

"We actually got a phone call first. And then we got a letter. We were a little concerned. My husband sent an email to the principal, (who) responded right back," Mayra Godoy, parent, said. Her 8-year-old son Jacob attends Robinson School. So far, he doesn't have any symptoms.

School officials believe someone returned to Robinson before the virus was completely out of his or her system, causing it to spread. No children were sick at any of the other four elementary schools or middle school in the district.

Officials are reminding students to stay home when sick.