Disease Outbreak Causes Florence to Close Schools [Update] [Audio]

The Ravalli County Health Department has directed all of the schools in Florence to cancel operations for the day. Buses have been called in early to bring students home. School officials report  that a substantial number of students have gone home ill and called in sick today. The announced reason for the school shut down is to prevent the possible spread of a virus, so far no virus outbreak has been confirmed. We will report more on the story when reports are confirmed.

KGVO News just got off the phone with Ravalli county Health Director Judy Griffin and Ravalli County Public Health Officer Carol Calderwood.  They have confirmed that there is an acute gastroenteritis outbreak, but have not attributed these symptoms to a particular virus. Anyone who has these symptoms is advised to stay home for seventy two hours AFTER symptoms stop. School may open on Monday, but even if it does, students who became sick are advised to follow the seventy two hour rule. All Florence schools have cancelled their weekend sports.

Below is a record of the phone call with Judy Griffin and Carol Calderwood with more information.