Multiple Outbreaks Affect Washoe County Schools Amid Rising Illnesses

RENO, Nev. (AP) — The Washoe County School District (WCSD) is currently managing multiple illness outbreaks across its schools, including respiratory and gastrointestinal cases, as confirmed in an update released on February 28, 2025.

As of the update, six schools have been placed on outbreak status, with health officials noting ongoing outbreaks specific to both respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. The district reported that two schools are dealing with respiratory outbreaks, one has gastrointestinal issues, and two schools are affected by both types of illnesses.

Moreover, 22 classrooms within the district are experiencing outbreaks, including 16 impacted by respiratory illnesses and four by gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, three classrooms have reported cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), characterized by a rash.

Leslie Allfree, the student health services coordinator for WCSD, stated, “Student privacy is really important, and that extends to whole classrooms as well. Everybody who needs to know knows, and we make sure that that’s happening.” She emphasized that families of affected students have been notified via printed letters and Connect Ed calls or emails regarding the outbreaks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HFMD commonly presents symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, and rashes, typically resolving within 7 to 10 days. Families have been urged to utilize WCSD’s self-screening tool available at WashoeSchools.net/SelfScreening to assess their health before attending school.

In light of the outbreaks, WCSD is enhancing its cleaning procedures. Allfree noted, “Once we see a pattern of common symptoms in students and staff, we report it to Northern Nevada Public Health. They help us manage outbreaks and ensure we are properly sanitizing our schools.” Additional strength cleaning solutions are being employed in impacted areas.

For further information, families can visit the district’s Student Health webpage at WashoeSchools.net/StudentHealth. The district emphasizes that any student or staff member exhibiting symptoms should remain home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) reported that region-wide cases include 187 cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), along with 36 hospitalizations and 19 flu-related deaths this season, two of which involved individuals under the age of 24. Public health officials are working closely with the school district to ensure safety and mitigate the spread of these illnesses.