CARROLLTON, Ga. (AP) — Administrators at a west Georgia elementary school are hoping the upcoming spring break will interrupt a cycle of sickness that led to more than 150 absences.

Officials say 159 children out of the 952 students enrolled at Central Elementary School were out sick Wednesday with a variety of illnesses. School officials tell WSB-TV (http://bit.ly/Xd58Cs) that the number is about 100 more than on a typical day.

In a letter sent home to parents, school administrators said fever and nausea have struck some students. Officials said strep throat and flu were to blame for some other absences.

The school is about 50 miles southwest of Atlanta.