Norovirus is striking Potterville's elementary school. 35 students and teachers at the school have been reported ill with the bug. The school has been doing vigorous cleaning, but it has not been closed.

And Potterville may not be alone. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department says it is seeing an increase in reports of clusters of illness due to vomiting and diarrhea. The reports are coming primarily from schools and day care facilities.

The Health Department has the following advice to help prevent the spread of norovirus gastroenteritis:
- Use chlorine bleach-based cleaners to disinfect surfaces contaminated with vomit or diarrhea. Contaminated carpet or upholstered furniture needs steam cleaning.
- In case of vomit, clean within a 25 foot radius as vomiting may spread the virus through the air to surfaces where it can survive for at least 3 weeks
- Do not prepare food for others for 72 hours after symptoms end
- Do not return to school or work until symptoms have stopped and preferably 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or loose stools.