WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Forsyth County Public Health officials say a sickness outbreak at Petree Elementary School on Wednesday does not appear to be connected to foodborne or infectious diseases at this time in their investigation.
Health officials are continuing to investigate what caused many students to have sudden nausea and vomiting symptoms.
According to Brent Campbell, Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools, 24 fifth graders, and one adult started experiencing stomach illness around 12:45 p.m. Due to the number of students affected, HAZMAT was contacted and the school was evacuated. Sick students were evaluated by EMS, but no one had to be taken to the hospital.
The school system says Petree Elementary was completely sterilized Wednesday night by a contracted cleaning service.
WSFCS says about half of students were absent from Petree on Thursday, but it isn't clear if that was because of sickness or parents being cautious.
The health department is conducting interviews with students and staff to see if there is a common thread in the sickness.
Petree Elementary Evacuated
Forsyth County Public Health officials say they still don't have definitive answers right now as to what caused the illness, and still have tests to run. Hazmat crews ruled out a few things, after taking various samples throughout the building. Officials say the school is safe for students to return to on Thursday.
"We believe this is an isolated incident, and have no indication that it is going to spread or that it is a communicable disease. Again we are still looking into what caused this," said Sarah Isom with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
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