Mon Mar 03 16:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Multiple Illness Outbreaks Prompt Health Alert in Washoe County Schools
**Reno, NV** – The Washoe County School District (WCSD) is grappling with multiple illness outbreaks affecting several schools and classrooms, prompting a public health alert. According to a district spokesperson, three schools are experiencing respiratory illness outbreaks, while one school is battling a gastrointestinal illness outbreak. Two schools are dealing with both respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses simultaneously. In addition, fifteen classrooms are reporting respiratory illnesses, four have gastrointestinal illnesses, and three have cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
The WCSD is urging families and staff to utilize the district’s self-screening tool before attending school, accessible at WashoeSchools.net/SelfScreening. Parents of students in affected schools and classrooms are being directly notified and advised to follow specific guidance from their school and the Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH). The district is not publicly naming the affected schools.
The spokesperson emphasized that affected families receive communications, including printed letters and electronic notifications, outlining symptoms, exclusion periods (such as requiring 24 hours fever-free before returning to school), and other relevant guidance. Further information and resources are available on the WCSD Student Health webpage at WashoeSchools.net/StudentHealth.
First Piper 