LAURENS, IOWA — There was an early dismissal on Monday for a northwest Iowa elementary school, but it had nothing to do with the forecast.

Laurens-Marathon Elementary School in Pocahontas County dismissed early after 24% of its students and staff were out sick. The building will remain closed on Tuesday so high-traffic areas can be cleaned, according to a message from Superintendent Kevin Wood.

“This closure will allow time for the sickness to subside and provide our custodial staff the opportunity to thoroughly sanitize the building again,” Wood said in the message.

Last week an elementary school in Johnston was closed for two days due to widespread illness.