Prairie City Monroe School District (that’s in Iowa, in the U.S.) officials said nearly 5 per cent of the body and staff were absent Friday due to illness.

School officials said on Thursday, schools reported an abrupt increase in students reporting symptoms of vomiting.

“At first, it appeared to be at our middle school, but as the day went on, we began to see similar symptoms in other buildings. Our school health professionals immediately notified county and state health professionals, and are working very closely with them through this situation,” Superintendent Dr. Michelle Havenstrite said.

Havenstrite said health officials believe the illnesses are likely due to norovirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists norovirus as a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. People easily contract the virus by having direct contact with infected people, consuming contaminated food or water or touching contaminated surfaces.