Manitowoc’s Wilson Middle School is closed today as staff addresses a spider issue.
According to an email sent to families, a yellow sac spider caused a student’s arm to become itchy and swollen yesterday around 2:00 p.m.
A teacher was also bitten and needed medical attention, which led to an investigation by the Manitowoc Public School District’s Buildings and Grounds staff.
More than 30 spiders were found in several classrooms, prompting a call to Valley Pest Control.
Wilson Principal Cory Erlandson said in the email that “Yellow sac spiders are not lethal, but they can be very painful at the outset, and resemble an allergic reaction.”
At this time, no other students or staff have reported being bit, but anyone that was in the building yesterday is encouraged to keep an eye out for any symptoms, including red inflamed skin.
Classes are expected to resume as normal on Monday.
