Princeton Elementary School in Camp Springs, Maryland, has been closed through Friday, October 30, after an illness outbreak affected dozens of pupils and staff.
Prince George’s County Public Schools said 48 students and 16 members of staff had reported influenza-like or gastroenteritis-like symptoms.
The decision to shut the school was taken in consultation with the county health department. Officials said the temporary closure would give the infectious period time to pass while allowing cleaning crews to carry out a deep clean and sanitise the building.
The specific virus responsible has not yet been identified. The reported symptoms include those associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.
Families have been advised to keep children at home if they develop symptoms and to take precautions including regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.
School officials said further information would be sent directly to parents and guardians as it becomes available.
