In an unexpected turn of events at Kealing Middle School in Austin, Texas, approximately 100 students were either sent home early or absent on Thursday due to what appears to be a widespread stomach illness. This was communicated to families through a letter from Principal Timothy Estes.

The illness outbreak occurred following a large gathering of students at an orchestra concert held on Wednesday night, according to the principal’s letter.

“Although the exact cause of the illness remains unconfirmed, we felt it was crucial to promptly inform our community and urge caution,” the letter stated.

Principal Estes also mentioned that the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Health Department is actively collaborating with local health authorities to implement all necessary protocols for tracking the illness and ensuring sanitation measures are in place.

As part of the response, the school will undergo a thorough cleaning, particularly focusing on areas where students performed and rehearsed, as noted in the letter.

Parents are encouraged to keep a close eye on their children, especially if they exhibit symptoms such as 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.