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St. Joseph School in Medford Extends Closure for Deep Cleaning After Stomach Illness Surge

The cluster is being treated as suspected norovirus with statewide activity reported as stable.

Overview

  • About 20% of St. Joseph’s students were absent Monday, prompting cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday and an extra day for cleaning.
  • A professional firm is disinfecting the building, and the school expects to reopen Thursday.
  • The archdiocese says there is no medical confirmation of norovirus, though many students reported stomach bug symptoms.
  • Roberts Elementary closed for two days last week after more than 130 absences tied to upset-stomach symptoms and has since reopened following a deep clean.
  • School leaders consulted the Medford Board of Health and Massachusetts DPH, which warns norovirus spreads easily in indoor settings but says statewide reports have been stable for months.