Novi students' field trip cut short due to stomach virus

(WXYZ) - A trip to the nation’s capital for hundreds of Novi Community Middle School students was cut short after half of the travelers came down with an illness.

The 321 students went to Washington D.C. to tour landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, and the Arlington National Cemetery.

According to the school's assistant superintendent R.J. Webber, 15 percent of the students and some chaperones came down with a stomach virus.

It’s suspected one person may have contracted the illness and it spread to others quickly.

The travel company used by the school district was on hand to care for the students.

“We’re grateful everyone is OK,” said Webber. “It’s unfortunate that a trip to our nation’s capital could not be enjoyed to its fullest extent.”

The group traveled to Washington, D.C. Wednesday and ended up returning seven hours earlier than planned.

They got back in town Saturday around 1:30 a.m.

The principal issued a statement Monday which said in part: "Despite the fact that a 24-hour stomach virus affected approximately 15% of our travelers, the trip was viewed as a rousing success by students and staff alike. Following trip protocol, medical attention and care was provided through our travel company, WorldStrides. Planning is already underway for our November 2013 trip."