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Florence Roche Elementary School in Groton was closed after 204 students contracted the illness, reports said. School officials believe the illness was caused by a virus.
"Given the rapid spread of the virus and the age of the students, we are closing Florence Roche ONLY at 12:15 today," Superintendent of the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District Laura Chesson said in an email to parents Friday morning, Oct. 14.
"We will continue to monitor health data over the weekend," she continued. "Please look for an update by email Sunday evening."
Chesson told WCVB's Rhondella Richardson the town's Board of Health believes the illness could be Norovirus, which is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
People can contract the virus from having direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water or touching contaminated surfaces, the CDC says.
Nichole, whose child goes to the school, told Daily Voice is also in the dark about the illness.
"There were many, many kids sick with GI-stuff yesterday," she said. "Many threw up at school and on the bus from what I heard. My own was throwing up last night too. Not sure what it is."
Officials said there is no evidence the illness was linked to the school's cafeteria food, Boston25 reports. The town's board of health cleaned the school as well.
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