WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — An update to a sickness outbreak at Petree Elementary in Winston-Salem causing 24 students and one teacher to have stomach problems.
The Forsyth County Health Department released the following on their investigation:
We are currently continuing our investigation into what caused the sudden onset of nausea and vomiting symptoms at Petree Elementary School yesterday {Wednesday} afternoon. Our investigation has not uncovered evidence that suggests foodborne or infectious diseases at this time. We are continuing our investigation with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and other local and state level partners.
To break it down: school food, school environment and infectious diseases have all been ruled out as causes.
Mom Tyeesha doesn't like the mystery behind it all.
"You cant even offer a reasonable explanation as to what happened and you want us to trust you to just say come back to school?," Tyeesha questioned. "Bring your babies back to school? My children will not be back in that building until at least Monday."
Tyeesha has two children who attend Petree and witnessed the chaos of sickness on Wednesday.
"There was already throw up in the hallway and other kids were getting sick in the hallway, saying their stomach hurt."
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools representative Brent Campbell said four students vomited. Campell said the school was sterilized by a cleaning crew Wednesday night, and they would not let students back in if they didn't think it was safe.
The school district said about half of students called out sick Thursday following the outbreak.
"I went to my sons class, out of 18 students in his class, only 10 were there," Tyeesha said.
The principal of Petree Elementary sent out a message to parents on Thursday night after the Health Department released an updated report.
The voicemail reads as follows:
“Good evening parents, I'm calling with an important update on the events that happened yesterday. After extensive tests, both environmental and otherwise from state and local officials, we feel our building continues to be safe. They have found no cause for concern and feel like whatever caused the students to feel ill was an isolated event not related to school food or the school environment. As for the cause of the incident – state health officials cannot pinpoint an exact reason why some students fell ill and they continue to investigate. Our building was sterilized by cleaning crews last night and state and county health officials remained on campus today talking with students and staff, continuing to figure out what happened and why. Thankfully we understand all the students who felt ill yesterday were quickly released from any medical care they received. I understand your concern but want you to know I want nothing more than for your children to be safe. I hope those that were absent today will be back in school tomorrow knowing that health officials have reassured us there is absolutely no cause for alarm. Please know we want to keep you informed and we’ll continue to update you. At any time you are free to visit our school and if you have any questions, please reach out. If we learn any more information I will be sure to share it with you. Thank you.”