Stomach Bug 'Going Around' Say Parents and Pediatricians

POTOMAC, Md. (WUSA) -- A fast moving stomach illness has been taking its toll on some area schools, according to parents and pediatricians.

At least one Montgomery County school, Bells Mill Elementary, saw 25% of its students home sick Monday.

"There's quite a bit of stomach virus going around," reports pediatrician Dr. Abby Siegel of Potomac Pediatrics. The illness comes with vomiting, diarrhea and a fever and moves quickly through families and school classrooms.

Dr. Siegel says children who shows signs of dehydration should be seen by a doctor.

School officials say such waves of winter illness are expected at this time of year and the absences are following typical patterns.

Dr. Siegel adds that vaccinations for one kind of stomach ailment known as Rotavirus can be effective prevention.