48 Students and 16 Staff Members Report Flu and Gastroenteritis Symptoms

Prince George's County Public Schools Closes School for the Remainder of the Week

Full Facility Disinfection Underway… Enhanced Hygiene Protocols to be Implemented Upon Reopening

Princeton Elementary SchoolCamp Springs, MD

According to an announcement by Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) and the county health department on the 28th, the temporary closure was decided to stop the spread of infection after 48 students and 16 staff members recently reported influenza-like and gastroenteritis-like symptoms. Health authorities have not yet officially confirmed the specific diagnosis.

In a letter sent to parents, Associate Superintendent Denise Douglas stated, "This temporary closure is a measure to allow the primary transmission window of the virus to pass while conducting a comprehensive, deep cleaning and disinfection of the entire campus."

During the closure, facility and sanitization teams will carry out intensive disinfection throughout the cafeteria, classrooms, restrooms, and all high-touch surfaces. In addition, all after-school programs scheduled for this week have been canceled. Detailed plans and schedules regarding the resumption of classes will be communicated directly to families.

Education officials urged that any student exhibiting symptoms such as fever, body aches, or diarrhea must stay home and refrain from coming to school. They also repeatedly emphasized adherence to basic personal hygiene practices, including proper handwashing and cough etiquette.

Once classes resume, the school plans to implement enhanced hygiene management protocols, including reinforced hygiene education, designated handwashing times, and the monitoring of health guidelines. The school system will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the local health department through the weekend before making a final determination on reopening.