The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is investigating a gastrointestinal outbreak at Fairhope West Elementary School, according an official statement issued on Feb. 28. Per the release, nausea and vomiting are the only reported symptoms, and the department is working with the Baldwin County school system to address the situation.

"ADPH Infectious Diseases and Outbreaks staff has distributed specimen collection materials for testing through the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories," the release stated. "ADPH Environmental staff has educated personnel and conducted exposure-activity profiling."

Jenny Breazeale, Fairhope West Elementary School Principal, also issued a statement via email to parents regarding the situation.

"Overnight, our numbers have jumped with the number of students expected to be absent and the number of staff that are going to be absent," Breazeale said. "I would strongly consider, if you can, keeping them (students) home today. Absences will be excused."

Later that afternoon, Superintendent Eddie Tyler released a statement that a large number of students were reported absent on Wednesday, Feb. 28 and announced the school will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 29 and Fri. March 1 due to the virus outbreak.

"Due to the amount of staff and students who are absent, the number who are experiencing symptoms and in an effort to help contain the contagion, we unfortunately need to shut the building down," Tyler said. "While out, we will be conducting a deep cleaning of the school so when students return next week, it will be sanitized to the fullest extent."

This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.