Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Nearly 100 at Kansas School

WHO:

Yahoo - Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE), Olathe Public Schools, Bentwood Elementary School students and staff, and students’ family members were linked to the outbreak.

Yahoo News Singapore - Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE), Olathe Public Schools, Bentwood Elementary School students and staff, and students’ family members were linked to the outbreak.

Yahoo - Charlie Hunt was identified as JCDHE director. Dr. Dana Hawkinson was identified as an infectious disease physician and medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Kansas Health System.

Yahoo News Singapore - Charlie Hunt was identified as JCDHE director. Dr. Dana Hawkinson was identified as an infectious disease physician and medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Kansas Health System.

WHAT:

Yahoo - The outbreak was linked to 95 cases among students and staff and two additional cases among family members outside the school. No hospitalizations were reported.

Yahoo News Singapore - The outbreak was linked to 95 cases among students and staff and two additional cases among family members outside the school. No hospitalizations were reported.

Yahoo - Two school cases were confirmed by laboratory testing; the remaining cases were considered “epidemiologically linked” based on similar symptoms, timing and setting. Reported symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain.

Yahoo News Singapore - Two school cases were confirmed by laboratory testing; the remaining cases were considered “epidemiologically linked” based on similar symptoms, timing and setting. Reported symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain.

Yahoo - JCDHE and school officials monitored illnesses, provided public-health guidance and worked to prevent further spread. The agencies said they would continue monitoring and working to protect students, staff and families.

Yahoo News Singapore - JCDHE and school officials monitored illnesses, provided public-health guidance and worked to prevent further spread. The agencies said they would continue monitoring and working to protect students, staff and families.

WHERE:

Yahoo - The outbreak was at Bentwood Elementary School in Olathe, Kansas.

Yahoo News Singapore - The outbreak was at Bentwood Elementary School in Olathe, Kansas.

WHY:

Yahoo - The CDC said norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea and spreads “very easily” through contaminated food or liquids, direct contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. Hawkinson said the virus can contaminate places through fecal shedding and recommended washing hands with soap and water.

Yahoo News Singapore - The CDC said norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea and spreads “very easily” through contaminated food or liquids, direct contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. Hawkinson said the virus can contaminate places through fecal shedding and recommended washing hands with soap and water.

Yahoo - Hunt said the case count was likely higher because norovirus is highly contagious. The CDC identifies norovirus as the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, accounting for 58% of foodborne illnesses acquired in the country, nearly 1 million pediatric medical-care visits annually, and an average of 19 million to 21 million illnesses each year.

Yahoo News Singapore - Hunt said the case count was likely higher because norovirus is highly contagious. The CDC identifies norovirus as the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, accounting for 58% of foodborne illnesses acquired in the country, nearly 1 million pediatric medical-care visits annually, and an average of 19 million to 21 million illnesses each year.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 10:01 UTC)

A norovirus outbreak at Bentwood Elementary School in Olathe, Kansas, has been linked to 95 illnesses among students and staff, plus two cases among family members outside the school. No hospitalizations have been reported. Two school cases were confirmed through laboratory testing; the others were linked based on similar symptoms, timing and setting. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment and Olathe Public Schools monitored illnesses, issued public-health guidance and worked to prevent further spread. Health officials warned that the count may be higher because norovirus is highly contagious. The CDC says it spreads through contaminated food, liquids, surfaces or direct contact with an infected person. Infectious disease physician Dana Hawkinson recommends washing hands with soap and water. The CDC estimates norovirus causes 19 million to 21 million illnesses annually in the United States.