Pacifica School District
375 Reina Del Mar Avenue j Pacifica, California 94044
(650) 738-6600 j (650) 557-9672 (fax)
Academic Excellence 􀃌 Standards for Success
www.pacificasd.org
Board of Trustees
Richard Faust
Cynthia Kaufman
Eileen Manning-Villar
Michael O’Neill
Joan Weideman
District Administration
Wendy S. Tukloff, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Davide Celoria, Ed.D.
Associate Superintendent
Josephine Peterson
Chief Business Official
May 18, 2012
RE: GASTROENTERITIS (NOROVIRUS) EXPOSURE NOTICE
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We have noticed several outbreaks of gastroenteritis (norovirus), also known as “stomach flu” in
our schools. Although this disease is usually not serious, it is highly contagious, uncomfortable and
often begins suddenly. Our school staff is keeping highly vigilant and sending home all students
who display symptoms.
If your child contracts gastroenteritis, please keep him/her home from school and daycare for 48
hours AFTER symptoms have ceased.
What are the symptoms? Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, poor appetite, headache, or fever.
How is it spread? Handling items or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Eating or drinking
contaminated food or water.
When do symptoms start? Usually 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus.
The spread of viral gastroenteritis can be prevented by taking these steps:
• Frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers and before
eating or preparing food.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting
or diarrhea by using a bleach‐based household cleaner.
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
• Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an
episode of vomiting and diarrhea (use hot water and soap).
Thank you for helping us stop the spread of this disease. If you have any questions, please contact
Student Services at 650‐738‐6606 or Communicable Disease Control at 650‐573‐2346
