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Mass absences continue at Gwinnett school

By
Aug 26, 2016

A total of 175 students and three staff members were absent Friday from Gwinnett County's Lanier Middle School, two days after a stomach flu struck the school.

Nine students have checked out due to viral gastroenteritis at the school, said district spokesman Bernard Watson.

Watson said a crew will thoroughly clean the school Friday evening. The school is located in Sugar Hill and has about 1,400 students.

Viral gastroenteritis can result in stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea. The symptoms can be serious for young children and older adults. School principal Todd Hamilton sent a letter to parents Wednesday alerting them about the situation. Ill students have been urged to stay home until their symptoms are gone for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication.

About the Author

Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.

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