A gastrointestinal illness has sickened several students at a school in Camden County, New Jersey, officials shared.
County officials said on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, a school reported an unusual increase in students experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and immediately informed the Camden County Department of Health.
The following day, on Dec. 11, officials reported that the same school had seen another increase in symptomatic students.
Officials have not disclosed which school was impacted; however, a source told NBC10 that at least 100 students have fallen ill during this outbreak.
The Camden County Department of Health has been in constant communication with the affected school, officials said. The school has increased cleaning protocols and proper hand hygiene practices have been reinforced among staff and students.
Symptomatic students have been excluded from attendance, according to officials.
“Gastrointestinal illnesses can be highly contagious, so it is essential that families are aware of the signs and symptoms,” Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, said. “If your child begins to show symptoms, please keep them home until at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve to prevent further spreading the illness.”
According to Caryelle Vilaubi, Director of the Camden County Department of Health, only one school has been affected as of Friday.
“This is the time of year that we see GI infections spread throughout our community. Right now we’re seeing it in one school, but in the community, it may show up in others,” said Vilaubi.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and fatigue.
Officials shared that symptoms often appear suddenly and may range from mild to severe, and most cases resolve within a few days.
The best way to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illness is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water and to disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches and keyboards.
“It’s very tempting to try to push through so we can celebrate the season, but it’s really important that if you’re not feeling well, you stay home, wash your hands, and sanitize the high-touch areas,” Vilaubi added.