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Dozens Of Students Sick At Trailblazer Elementary In Highlands Ranch

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. - More than 30 students attending an elementary school in Highlands Ranch have become ill in the past two days, in just the second week of school. School officials are investigating a possible norovirus outbreak.

Douglas County School District spokeswoman Paula Hans confirmed that there is some sort of illness at the school with students exhibiting similar symptoms to norovirus. Those symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.

Norovirus is extremely contagious and is spread through the air, food or contact with common surfaces.

School officials said it started with the first graders at Trailblazer Elementary located at 9760 S. Hackberry Street in Highlands Ranch. Now it has spread throughout the school.

Trailblazer Elementary map
(credit: CBS)

Parents told CBS4 they are taking every precaution.

"Just having them wash their hands obviously, repeatedly and washing their clothes. Don't have them wear the same clothes and just making sure their lunch boxes are clean," said parent Tanya Schmitt.

Students are also concerned about getting sick.

"I think it's kind of scary because I don't really want to get sick and it's been happening really fast," said 4th Grader Hannah Schmitt.

The school has been cleaned from top to bottom. Parents also received a letter informing them of the illness. School officials said if your child does develop symptoms, it's important to keep your child home from school for at least 48 hours after the final symptom has passed.

Classes will continue on Monday as scheduled.

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