JAMS reopens after Norovirus crisis

John Adams Middle School was reopened Monday, Feb. 6 after school officials closed the campus Friday, Feb. 3 for cleaning to prevent the spread of the highly contagious Norovirus. The JAMS’s annual Yosemite trip for seventh graders had brought back a contagious virus when the 190 students returned from their five-day trip last Friday, Jan. 27.  The virus, known as the “Norovirus,” affects the stomach or small intestines, causing inflammation. Typically, the virus lasts about 24 hours, during which diarrhea and throwing up will occur. Furthermore, a person can infect others for three days after symptoms are gone, and the virus can stay alive on surfaces for 7 days.    According to Samo nurse Nora McElvain, it is imperative that students and staff continue to wash their hands with soap and water. “In an effort to contain all germs going around, but specifically Noro, it is important to remember that only proper hand washing will completely kill (it),” McElvain said in an email she sent to Samo staff Monday morning. She also remarked that a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, like Purell, will decrease the amount of the virus but is not a substitute for soap and water.Samo Spanish teacher Claudia Bautista has one son at JAMS and has also been affected by the virus herself. She thinks that someone on the trip may have already had the virus which easily spread in close quarters. “The week before I had two students gone for over three days with the stomach flu, so I think it's been in the community. I just worry about kids not washing their hands with soap and water,” Bautista said. Despite the serious nature of the virus, Bautista, along with many Samo students, do not feel too concerned about the virus.  “I think we’ll see more cases. [However, we shouldn’t worry] as long as people are careful, don't share drinks, or even pencils,” Bautista said. “It hits people differently. I know that some of the staff members got it for 24 hours, and others have had it for three days.” According to SMMUSD, district operations staff cleaned JAMS and its feeder schools on Friday and over the weekend, targeting frequent contact surfaces in classrooms and throughout the schools, including restrooms and locker rooms. Samo’s campus was also cleaned on Friday night , according to district officials.  Custodians treated “specific areas of concern,” according to a health update sent to all SMMUSD staff on Sunday night. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has stressed that the best methods of controlling the Norovirus outbreak is to wash hands with soap and cold or hot water, and to stay at home if you are experiencing any signs of the illness.