RILEY COUNTY – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is assisting the Riley County Health Department to determine the cause of an illness that sent numerous students home this week from Manhattan High School.

Principal Greg Hoyt said in a note to parents that the school nurse reported she had sent more students home from school with vomiting and related symptoms than she ever had in her many years of experience.

Hoyt’s memo said he did not want to alarm anyone or over react, but reminded parents and students of simple steps that may be taken to protect yourself and others including thoroughly washing your hands, keeping your hands away from your mouth and nose and do not share food or drink.

Maintaining a healthy environment is a shared responsibility for all of us, he wrote.