Toutle Lake School District canceled classes on Friday following a significant spike in illness among students and staff, according to district officials and local health guidance. The district reported that 75 middle and high school students and 79 elementary students were out sick Thursday, exceeding 15% of the total student population—triggering a required notification to the Cowlitz County Health Department.

District administrators also reported that about 35% of staff members were ill, leaving too few healthy employees to maintain safe supervision levels. The district said crews will use the unplanned day off to perform a deep cleaning of classrooms, door handles, desks, and other high-contact areas to reduce germ spread before classes resume.

The reported symptoms are consistent with norovirus, which has also affected several Portland-area school districts this week. Toutle Lake officials advised families to keep children home if they develop a fever or other signs of illness and to continue promoting frequent handwashing and healthy hygiene habits at home.

School administrators said they will continue to monitor attendance and communicate updates to families through the district website and direct alerts. Anyone seeking additional information or guidance about norovirus can consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or contact their healthcare provider.

Reporting originally noted by Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG.