Mysterious Illness Keeps 200 Whittier Vo-Tech Students Home

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill.

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Superintendent Maureen Lynch.

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Superintendent Maureen Lynch.

A mysterious illness is keeping 200 students and 20 staff away from Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Superintendent Maureen Lynch said the school observed significant absenteeism Thursday and recommended anyone who might be ill to stay home Friday.

“We’re not really sure what it is. We think there’s some bronchitis, flu, stomach bug. It’s a mixed bag,” Lynch told WHAV Friday. Since Friday was slated as a half day to allow for professional development, the school sent electronic messages to parents Thursday night, urging them to keep sick students out of school until they are free of symptoms for at least 24 hours.

The superintendent said the school will use the time to perform extra deep cleaning.

“I’ve been in communication with our nurses’ office. We’re going to make sure we continue to do some due diligence, washing door knobs and desks. We’re going to do our best to make sure things are as clean we can,” Lynch said.

Two hundred students represent a significant percentage of Whittier’s 1,300 students as does 20 out of 160 staff, she said.

7 thoughts on “Mysterious Illness Keeps 200 Whittier Vo-Tech Students Home

  1. I believe wrestling practice took place tonight, though I kept my sick wrestler home. If they are going to call the meet, I hope they do so before i drop him off early in the morning.

  2. I don’t really think it is all too mysterious. Just ask around and people will tell you they are a lot of people who are sick and it is a nasty virus.