Illness forces Lafayette school to close

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Students at a Lafayette school are resting at home Friday, after a widespread illness forced the school to close its doors.

More than 20 percent of students at New Community School are sick with a gastrointestinal bug. Dozens of students and teachers are showing symptoms including fever, diarrhea and vomiting.

The building will undergo a thorough cleaning over the weekend and the school will reopen Monday.

In order to stay healthy, the Tippecanoe County Health Department said it is critical to wash your hands frequently and make sure your surfaces are clean.