A significant number of students at Kealing Middle School in Austin found themselves at home rather than in class on Thursday, as a reported stomach illness swept through the school community. According to a notice from Principal Timothy Estes, approximately 100 students were either absent or sent home early due to the outbreak.

The illness appears to have struck shortly after many of these students participated in an orchestra concert held on Wednesday night. While the exact cause remains undetermined, the principal emphasized the importance of immediate awareness and urged families to exercise caution.

“Though we cannot confirm the source of this illness at this time, it is crucial to keep our community informed and take preventive measures,” stated the letter from Principal Estes.

In response to the outbreak, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Health Department is collaborating with local officials to ensure all necessary protocols are followed, particularly those related to tracking the illness and implementing sanitation procedures.

As part of these efforts, Kealing Middle School will undergo a thorough cleaning, with special attention given to areas used for the concert and rehearsals. This deep cleaning aims to mitigate any further spread of the illness and ensure the safety of the students and staff.

Families are urged to monitor their students, especially if they are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Here are steps to follow if students start experiencing symptoms, as provided by the middle school:

• Keep students home and do not send them to school. They also cannot participate in any “school-related activities.” Students should stay home until they have not experienced symptoms for at least 24 hours and are not using “symptom-suppressing medication.”
• Contact a doctor for further guidance.
• Notify the middle school. If the child receives a diagnosis “with a contagious illness,” then the school nurse or main office need to be notified.

“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we prioritize the health and safety of our entire school community. We will be sure to follow-up if we gain further insight into the source of the illness,” the letter said.