Harmony Elementary shuts down due to stomach flu

Harmony Elementary is located on S. Bogan Road in Buford.

A letter was posted to parents on the school's website:

This letter is to inform you that Harmony Elementary will not hold school tomorrow,
Friday, October 30, 2009, based on the recommendation of public health officials. The
East Metro Health District recommended the closure as a large number of students
recently have shown symptoms of gastroenteritis, sometimes referred to as the
“stomach flu”. Gastroenteritis often causes diarrhea and/or vomiting. Health officials tell us these symptoms usually develop in one to two days after exposure and most people get better in one to 10 days without medication.

Please be assured that we are working very closely with the East Metro Health District
as we follow their recommendations and monitor our students who have become ill. In
order to protect your family from this illness, health officials also recommend the
following precautions:

• Watch your child and members of your family to see if they develop diarrhea,
and/or vomiting.
• If your child develops diarrhea, contact your child’s physician. Inform your doctor
that students diagnosed with gastroenteritis attend your child’s school.
• Encourage your child and family members to thoroughly wash their hands before
preparing or eating food, after using the toilet, and upon returning home from
school in the afternoons.

Stomach Flu Shuts Down Gwinnett School - Health News Story - WSB ...
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- Students at one Gwinnett County elementary school are being told to stay home Friday. Thursday, October 29, 2009.