Schools are critical in preventing and controlling the spread of illnesses.

School nurses are key partners in assessing student health, implementing prevention strategies, and coordinating with families, healthcare providers, and the Health Department when needed. 

This page offers a hub for guidance to manage infectious illnesses and outbreaks, including when and how to report suspected or confirmed diseases to the Health Department (as required by law).

On this page: General Illness Norovirus Outbreaks Influenza Outbreaks Required Disease Reporting

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Your Local Health Office can offer consultation, outbreak response support, and guidance on infectious disease prevention and control. We are here to help. Please reach out!

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General Illnesses in Schools

Nurses should use clinical judgment to determine whether a student is well enough to remain in school, be sent home, or require further evaluation. 

  • If a student or staff member is not well enough to learn or participate in school activities, they should be sent home, regardless of whether they are tested for a specific illness. 
  • School nurses should determine whether a student with symptoms should wear a mask while waiting to be picked up from school. 
  • A student may return to school once symptoms have improved, and they meet the school criteria for their illness. Testing, such as for COVID-19, should not be required for return.
  • Schools should encourage students and staff to stay current on recommended vaccinations. 

Everyday prevention measures at school can prevent and control the spread of infectious illnesses. This includes frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, routine cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, ensuring proper airflow in shared spaces, and encouraging recommended vaccinations.

CDC Guidance on Preventing the Spread of Infections in K–12 Schools

Norovirus Outbreaks

An outbreak of a norovirus-like illness occurs when two or more students or staff members are sick within 1-2 days of each other, with an abrupt onset of vomiting or diarrhea. An outbreak is over when it’s been five days since the last person recovered and no additional people are sick. School closures are generally not necessary to control an outbreak.

Report norovirus-like illness outbreaks to the Health Department 24/7 by using the Online Outbreak Report Form or calling 802-862-7240. 

Click below for: 

  • More about norovirus, including symptoms and transmission
  • A quick reference guide for school nurses and administrators
  • The Norovirus Prevention Messaging Toolkit for Schools and Child Care Facilities with sample newsletter blurbs, social media posts, and print posters

Norovirus & Managing Outbreaks

Influenza-like Illness Outbreaks

An outbreak of influenza-like illness occurs when the absenteeism rate is more than 10% of the entire school, or more than 20% of one grade or class, because of influenza-like symptoms. This includes students who are sent home with fever and cough or sore throat, or parents, guardians or caregivers calling students out with flu or flu-like symptoms. 

Report influenza-like illness outbreaks to the Health Department 24/7 by filling out a viral respiratory illness outbreak report form

Sick students and staff should stay home until 24 hours after the fever has resolved without the use of fever-reducing medication. School nurses with any respiratory illness should follow the guidance for health care personnel.

Click below for: 

  • Recommended actions to take if an outbreak is suspected
  • A quick reference guide for school nurses and administrators
  • An Influenza-like Illness Line List template, fact sheet, and other resources

Influenza-like Illness Outbreaks

Required Infectious Disease Reporting

School health officials are required by law to report certain suspected or confirmed reportable diseases. Timely reporting ensures steps can be taken to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Reportable diseases include: 

  • COVID-19 outbreaks (as of June 10, 2026, individual cases are not reportable)
  • Influenza or influenza-like illness outbreaks (individual cases are not reportable)
  • Vaccine-preventable diseases (examples: measles, mumps, pertussis, rubella, varicella) 

Click below for:

  • When and how to report communicable diseases to the Health Department.
  • A searchable list of reportable diseases required by law

Reportable Diseases

 

 

 

 

Topics:
Child Health and Safety COVID-19
Last Updated: