February 26, 8:55 P.M. UPDATE:

Northern Nevada Public Health has issued a statement regarding the recent outbreaks occurring in several schools across Washoe County.

Our investigation throughout the day revealed an increase in the number of schools affected by the outbreaks. The Washoe County School District noted a slight decline in reported cases on Wednesday evening after the initial report earlier that afternoon.

As of 6:42 P.M. on Wednesday, four schools in Washoe County are currently under outbreak alert, down from six reported earlier in the day and five from Tuesday.

Of these, two schools are dealing with respiratory illnesses, one with gastrointestinal issues, and one facing both types of illnesses.

Additionally, 20 classrooms are now considered to be in outbreak status—15 due to respiratory concerns and five related to gastrointestinal illnesses.

Despite our persistent inquiries to the school district, they have opted not to disclose the names of the affected schools. Northern Nevada Public Health attributed this decision to HIPAA regulations, stating that families associated with impacted schools have been informed.

Liliana Wilbert, an epidemiologist with NNPH, emphasized, “To safeguard the privacy of the schools and affected families, we do not disclose that information.”

However, some individuals linked to the impacted schools have reached out to 2 News Nevada, indicating that their children’s schools have been affected.

A communication acquired by 2 News Nevada sent to parents at Van Gorder Elementary noted a surge in absences among students and staff due to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, headaches, sore throats, coughs, muscle pain, and fatigue.

Another email from Van Gorder Elementary revealed that a planned STEM Night for Tuesday was canceled and will be rescheduled due to the outbreak status at the school.

Parents at Rollan Melton Elementary have contacted 2 News Nevada to report multiple instances of children experiencing gastrointestinal problems, with over a dozen reportedly sent home due to illness. While there have been reports from parents concerning illness at Rollan Melton, we have yet to receive any official notice from the district confirming the school’s outbreak status.

The Washoe County School District clarified that if families have not received any communication regarding outbreaks at their schools, it indicates that those institutions are not currently impacted.

At this time, Wilbert noted that the respiratory illnesses circulating in the region include RSV, influenza, and various influenza-like illnesses.

Northern Nevada Public Health is implementing its cleaning protocols in response to these illnesses. This involves isolating affected individuals, sanitizing contaminated areas, and ensuring that sick students and staff remain apart from others.

Wilbert cautioned that if your child exhibits any symptoms of illness, they should remain at home.

Currently, NNPH has reported a total of 187 cases of RSV throughout the region, along with 36 hospitalizations related to flu, and 19 flu-related fatalities, including two individuals under the age of 24.

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FEBRUARY 26, 3:15 P.M. UPDATE:

The Washoe County School District has announced an increase in the number of schools and classrooms experiencing outbreaks.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the district confirmed that six schools and 20 individual classrooms are now on outbreak status, an increase from five schools and 19 classrooms reported on Tuesday.

Among the six affected schools, one is reporting both respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, two are solely dealing with gastrointestinal issues, and three are focused on respiratory illnesses.

Out of the 20 classrooms, 15 are marked for respiratory illness and five for gastrointestinal illness.

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

A number of schools and classrooms within the Washoe County School District are currently on outbreak alert as of Tuesday.

According to a spokesperson from the WCSD, five schools and 19 classrooms are presently flagged for outbreak status.

Among these schools, one is classified as experiencing both respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, while two are under respiratory illness outbreak status and two for gastrointestinal issues.

Of the 19 classrooms identified, 15 are related to respiratory illnesses, and four to gastrointestinal illnesses.

The school district has not provided specifics regarding which schools and classrooms are impacted.