Northside Christian Academy in Wadsworth was closed Tuesday due to illness.
According to the school, multiple students and faculty members reported the incident.
According to the school, cleaning staff will be disinfecting the entire building.
Cassandra Hartzler, the school's board president, sent News 5 the following statement:
Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to close school today. We have established benchmark percentages for multiple absences by staff and students within our buildings. The holiday will give 350 students and her 45 faculty and staff an extra day of recovery, while those who are under the weather can simply enjoy the sun. All staff and students are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
The school posted the following message on Facebook late Monday night:
Akron Children's School Health Services staff said the outbreak is consistent with the season.
“November to March is usually a really sick season, and a lot of kids are susceptible to getting sick,” explained advanced practice leader Teresa Fletcher, a registered nurse.
She said many of the nurses who work in schools report students coming down with strep throat or the flu. People with symptoms such as fever and vomiting are encouraged to stay home.
“It's really important to take care of yourself when you're sick and not expose others to your illness if you're not feeling well,” Fletcher says.
The Prentiss Autism Center of the Cleveland Area Positive Education Program (PEP) also canceled school on Tuesday due to illness in a staff member.
News 5 also provided information to other large school districts in Northeast Ohio. No school has reported an unusually large number of staff or students falling ill.
Wadsworth parent Jack Charles said his four children have avoided any major illnesses this season, but they remain vigilant.
“When a person gets sick, [create a] “There was a domino effect throughout the house,” she said. “We have to take care of our children and we have to try to be good examples ourselves.”
Health care providers say eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and practicing good hygiene are important to avoid illness.
“The key is to go back to basics, keep yourself clean and protect yourself from illness,” Fletcher said. It's never too late. It's February, but it's not too late. The flu is still circulating, but we can still help you. ”
Dr. Amy Edwards, associate medical director for pediatric infection control at California State University Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, also recommended COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines as a precaution.
He also said people with symptoms should wear masks to avoid infecting others.
Akron Children's and UH Rainbow Babies and Children's both said they are experiencing levels of illness typical for this time of year.
“It's definitely disease season right now. And usually once March rolls around, things pick up and get a little bit better,” Fletcher said.
Northside Christian Academy said it was disinfecting the building Tuesday and plans to reopen as normal Wednesday.
