Cause Sought After 150 Become Ill at School

County health officials inspected the food and water at a La Verne elementary school Thursday, where more than a quarter of the students came down with flu-like symptoms the day before.

The illnesses at Grace Miller Elementary School struck almost 150 of 500 students late Tuesday night and Wednesday, said Principal Lori Morris. Symptoms lasted about 24 hours and included stomachaches, vomiting, fever and diarrhea that sent many of them home from school Wednesday.

“I have 20 years in education and this seems very strange,” she said.

It is still unclear whether the sickness was the flu or the result of some contamination in the water or school lunches. Officials said they were awaiting test results.

“We’re interviewing kids, looking at the water, food temperature and food preparation practices,” said Dr. Jonathan Fielding.

On Thursday, almost 130 students were absent, but only one student who had come to school that morning went home feeling sick. Many parents undoubtedly kept their children home as a precaution, Morris said.

Meanwhile, workers turned off school taps and drinking fountains and brought in bottled water, Morris said. Food handlers were replaced in the cafeteria, students were given moist towelettes, and an extra nurse was on hand.

Parent Espi Vargas said she told her 7-year-old son, “Just don’t eat anything at school.”