Dozens of schoolchildren sickened at Nevada County outdoor camp as norovirus returns
Dozens more schoolchildren have been sickened by norovirus at a Nevada County outdoor education school besieged by the virus in recent weeks just days after health officials gave it the latest all clear.
Thirty-six Butte County elementary pupils camping at Shady Creek Outdoor School are the latest to fall victim to the highly contagious virus, as of May 15, said Butte County Public Health officials in a health advisory issued Wednesday.
The cases arose from what Butte County officials say were three separate outbreaks at the camp owned and operated by the Sutter County Superintendent of Schools Office.
Shady Creek, located just outside of Nevada City, serves 5,000 students from more than 16 counties across California each year, said the Sutter schools. The camp’s last confirmed outbreak was in 2018, superintendent’s officials said, though presumed cases have been reported since.
“Laboratory testing has confirmed cases of norovirus among individuals who attended the camp,” Butte County health officials said in the Wednesday advisory.
Butte County health officials in the Wednesday statement said they received assurances that Shady Creek officials were working to lower the risk of the virus’ spread through regular cleaning and by separating healthy children and those who fell ill.
The new cases and the Butte County health advisory follow a rash of recent suspected cases that forced Shady Creek to cancel sessions in April and again in early May.
The outdoor school shut down three sessions early after students showed norovirus symptoms.
Two of the sessions ended one day ahead of schedule, and one session wrapped two days early, said Kristi Johnson, Sutter County assistant superintendent for educational services, in a May 12 email responding to reported potential cases among students and staff at the camp May 7.
Johnson said the superintendent’s decision to close the classes was made in coordination with Nevada County Public Health and Environmental Health officials.
“Following the initial incident in April, a professional cleaning company was brought in to conduct a comprehensive sanitization of the campus,” Johnson said in the May 12 email. “Additional deep cleanings have since occurred, and we continue to follow strict infection control protocols and public health guidance, including daily AM/PM disinfection of cabins, restrooms, and common areas.”
Nevada County health officials told The Bee on May 12 the camp had reopened for two weeks in April before other “presumed norovirus” cases resurfaced May 7. The cases prompted a several-day closing of the entire campus, Nevada County health officer Sherilynn Cooke said.
In all, 22 people fell ill or showed symptoms in the May 7 incident, including a teacher and counselor, Cooke said.
The virus causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain and spreads rapidly through groups, especially when people do not wash their hands or follow proper sanitation practices. Symptoms last up to three days, but those with the virus can still be contagious for another 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.
Health officials said frequent hand-washing is the best way to stop its spread, especially after restroom trips, and before eating or preparing food. Avoid preparing food while ill and for at least two days after symptoms have gone away.
Children and adults should stay home for 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.
Norovirus can cling to surfaces, requiring a bleach-based cleaner to clean and disinfect surfaces.
Meanwhile, Butte health officials said they are working with local schools following other norovirus reports among students who recently attended Shady Creek and have notified Butte County schools scheduled to attend the camp of the most recent illnesses so they can take precautions.
“The situation remains under investigation, and BCPH is coordinating with other local health departments to monitor developments and support response efforts,” Butte County officials said in the advisory.
Schools in the north state begin wrapping up the year in two weeks. The Shady Creek facility is also used for events, such as weddings and conferences.
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