Black Widow outbreak: Students and parents informed of growing poisonous spider population at school
Westfield High School officials respond to rising black widow spider sightings amid growing concerns on campus.
For most students, the thing they fear most about school is failing their exams. Not so at Westfield High School in Chantilly, Virginia, where students are having to share a courtyard with venomous black widow spiders.
School sends update to parents
Parents were sent a letter about the outbreak by Principal Toni DiBari, which was obtained by News4. It reads:
“I wanted to provide you with an update about some ongoing pest management at the high school. Starting on October 3, the FCPS facilities team has been working with our custodial staff to treat an outside courtyard where several black widow spiders have been found.
This courtyard is not used by students and there are no reports of these spiders getting into the school building. We believe that the spiders are coming from planters that were recently added to the courtyard. Along with the pest treatment, we are removing and replacing all the soil in these planters as an additional remediation treatment.”
Concerns over communication
The school had previously faced criticism for not informing staff, parents, and students quickly enough. Some reportedly learned about the outbreak through local media coverage.
Fairfax County Public Schools confirmed that its pest management team had visited Westfield High School “several times” since October 3 after being contacted about the issue by concerned parties. Officials also emphasized that the spiders were found in an outside courtyard not used by students.
Black widow spider risks
Black widow spiders are commonly found in Virginia. Bites from a female black widow can be dangerous. Their venom attacks nerve endings, usually causing severe muscle aches and pains and often requiring medical attention, according to Cleveland Clinic.
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