A Lake Worth elementary school has been dealing with an increase in absences which is being blamed on a gastrointestinal illness.
There have been about 15 absentees a day at Barton Elementary, according to the Palm Beach County Health Department.
The department sent a note to parents notifying them of the illness. Some students and faculty have experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is investigating possible causes.
Experts are recommending everyone wash hands at home and school with soap and water to prevent the spread of illness.
Parents are asked to keep sick children home from school and symptom free for 48 hours before returning to class.
