SEATTLE — Leschi Elementary School was closed Friday due to a norovirus outbreak, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) announced Thursday.
SPS Superintendent Denise Juneau decided to close the school after more than 100 students and staff reported being sick on Thursday.
No students or staff members were allowed in the building during the closure.
Crews started cleaning and spraying the school with an EPA approved product that is effective against norovirus Thursday night. Air filters in the building were also replaced.
SPS spokesperson Tim Robinson said 20 students were out sick on Wednesday. On Thursday, 83 students called out sick, 17 students were sent home during the day, and six staff members were also out sick. Robinson said 12 or more staff members would have been out sick on Friday if the school was not closed.
Norovirus symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, chills, and fever. Symptoms can start 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
People infected with norovirus may still be contagious for three days after they feel better, according to Public Health - Seattle and King County.
SPS said no other schools are impacted besides Leschi Elementary.
“There have not been other reports of a greater-than-normal number of cases of illness among students and staff at any other school in the district,” Robinson said in a statement,
SPS anticipates the school will be open on Monday.
WATCH: Fast facts about norovirus