The Colton School District in Clackamas County closed its doors Monday following an abrupt rise in student and staff absences caused by a fast-spreading illness, according to a statement reported by KOIN News. The closure marked what some parents described as an unprecedented disruption for the small rural community, located southeast of Portland.

District officials cited a sharp increase in absentee rates linked to symptoms consistent with a contagious gastrointestinal virus. While the specific pathogen has not been officially identified, some cases are suspected to involve norovirus, which has been circulating in multiple Oregon counties this winter.

Nearby, the Corbett School District—east of Portland—reopened Monday after a similar temporary closure last week due to illness, with attendance reportedly returning to normal.

Regional public health agencies have reminded families to keep symptomatic children home for at least 48 hours after symptoms end and to emphasize thorough handwashing to prevent further spread.

Though the Colton closure is currently scheduled for a single day, administrators have indicated that the timeline may shift depending on how quickly absentee rates stabilize and whether additional cases emerge among students or staff.

Outbreak-related school closures remain uncommon in Oregon, but health officials have seen periodic upticks in winter illnesses tied to norovirus and influenza, especially in small or rural districts where overall enrollment amplifies the impact of absentee clusters.