UPDATE: Mysterious Illness At Middle School

The El Paso County Health Department continues to investigate the mysterious illness that kept 160 students home from school Thursday.

The students attend Falcon Middle School and school leaders are urging ill kids to stay home on Friday.

Falcon D-49 spokesperson Stephanie Meredith said it was not food poisoning, but the El Paso County Department of Health has not ruled that out. “We are still investigation,” said Susan Wheelan, health department spokeswoman.

Wheelan added that is is a upper gastrointestinal issue that the students are experiencing.

Parents who called TARGET 13 think cake served to students might be the culprit, but again, nothing has been determined by the health department.

Meredith said students are heading on fall break next week and it will give the district an opportunity to clean and disinfect.

TARGET 13 obtained this letter sent home to parents Thursday afternoon.

In the last 24 hours we have experienced a significant number of students who are reporting vomiting and diarrhea. We are asking you to keep your child home from school if he or she has displayed these symptoms within the last 48 hours.

Please know that if your child is experiencing symptoms, the absence you report will be considered an excused absence. If you chose to keep your child home as a precaution, this will also be considered an excused absence, but you must call the school to report the absence. It is important to remember to help your child remain hydrated if he or she is having extended periods of vomiting or diarrhea, and contact your health care provider for guidance. This notice is not intended to give a diagnosis of any kind or replace advice from your health care provider.

As always, when it come to contagious illness, good hand washing, the use of hand sanitizers and keeping your hands away from your face goes a long way toward preventing the spread of illness.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

District 49 Nursing Services