A Newton County elementary school closed Friday because of a virus outbreak.

Newton County School officials say the large number of students at Oak Hill Elementary School have shown symptoms of gastroenteritis.

The health department recommended closing the school, cleaning it thoroughly and monitoring students who have become ill.

Symptoms of the virus include diarrhea and vomiting. The health department says the symptoms usually develop 24-48 hours after exposure. Most people get better in one to 10 days without medication.

Parents received letters about the closure Thursday night.

Channel 2’s Amy Napier Viteri spoke to one parent who said she picked up her child early and she saw several sick kids at the school.

Marie Cruse said the school sent her daughter, Anzlee Mandrona home early when she wasn’t feeling well after lunch.

“They went ahead and sent her home for precautionary measures, which was fine because we understand. We’d rather be safe than sorry,” Cruse said. “It’s a really bad virus it lasts anywhere from 1 to 10 days.”