Norovirus Outbreak Closes Massachusetts School For Second Day After Over 130 Student Absences
Written by b87fm on 12/11/2025
A fast-spreading stomach bug—suspected to be norovirus—has shut down a Medford, Massachusetts elementary school for the second day in a row after more than 130 students fell ill.
Roberts Elementary School remained closed Thursday, Dec. 11, and officials announced it will stay closed Friday as the outbreak continues to grow. All other schools in the district remain open and report normal attendance levels.
School administrators say the situation escalated quickly.
“Over 130 student absences were reported Wednesday, and more families contacted us in the last 24 hours about stomach-bug symptoms,” leadership said in an update. At least 20 staff members are now sick as well.
Roberts Elementary serves nearly 600 students from Pre-K to 5th grade.
Health Officials Clear the Building — But Not the Staffing Concerns
The Medford Board of Health and the Department of Public Health inspected the building Wednesday and again Thursday. Both agencies confirmed the outbreak is not linked to school facilities or kitchen equipment.
A professional deep clean is underway, covering classrooms, door handles, kitchen areas, and all high-touch surfaces. The work is expected to be completed by Thursday evening.
Although the building has been deemed safe, Superintendent Suzanne Galusi said the district simply can’t run a functioning school day.
“With so many students and staff out, it would not be a structured or safe learning environment,” she said while announcing Friday’s closure.
The missed school days will be made up later in the year.
Health Officials: “This Is a Big Outbreak”
Tufts Medical Center’s Dr. Shira Doron called the situation unusual for a school setting.
“It’s a very big outbreak for a school. We see outbreaks like this on cruise ships,” she said, adding that the scale warrants further investigation.
The Board of Health is urging families to keep sick children home for at least 24 hours after vomiting or nausea stops.
What to Know About Norovirus
The CDC describes norovirus as the country’s leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness. Highly contagious, it spreads through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or food.
Experts stress that hand sanitizer doesn’t work well against norovirus. Proper prevention requires washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and staying home when sick.
The CDC reported in late November that norovirus cases were already rising nationwide ahead of the holiday season.
