Blue Knight Highlights

What's Happening in the Sandwich Public Schools - 01.04.25

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SMHS Lacrosse Players Visit Forestdale

SMHS Lacrosse players in Forestdale lobby

Thank you to Sandwich Middle High School Athletic Director Sean Donovan and the SMHS lacrosse players who came to Forestdale to introduce lacrosse to our youngest students. It is this community exposure that breeds high school championships. The SMHS lacrosse programs are a prime example of this community connection and success!

🩺 From the Nurse's Office

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the State of Massachusetts is currently experiencing a higher-than-average number of cases of norovirus.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Most people with norovirus illness feel better within 1 to 3 days, but can still spread the virus.

Signs and symptoms of Norovirus

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.

The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and body aches

Dehydration

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.

How it spreads

Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by:

Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
You can find norovirus in your vomit or feces (poop) even before you start feeling sick.
The virus can also stay in your poop for 2 weeks or more after you feel better. You can still spread norovirus during that time.

Preventing the Spread of Norovirus

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

After using the toilet, before eating, preparing, or handling food, before giving yourself or someone else medicine.

Be aware that:

Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus, you can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing.

How bad is the norovirus in Massachusetts? Here's what to know

Norovirus Cases Are Surging, CDC Says: What To Know In MA

CDC - Norovirus

Germ Smart Kids How-to: Handwashing