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Webster City school closed for illness

Influenza cases continue to rise in Iowa

WEBSTER CITY — Classes are canceled today at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Webster City due to high numbers of staff and students who are sick.

“Due to rising illness rates among students, St. Thomas Aquinas School will be closed tomorrow, Feb. 5 to help prevent further spread,” the school said Tuesday afternoon in a Facebook post.

According to the school, 22 percent of students were out sick on Monday and 24 percent on Tuesday, affecting all grade levels, including preschool.

“We understand this may cause an inconvenience, and we appreciate your understanding as we prioritize a healthy learning environment for all,” the school statement said.“Staff will be working to deep clean and disinfect the building to ensure a safe return on Thursday, February 6th.”

St. Thomas Aquinas isn’t the only school experiencing high volumes of sick students and staff. On Monday, Laurens-Marathon Community School District closed its elementary school early and kept it closed on Tuesday because 24 percent of students and staff were out sick.

Southeast Valley Community School District Superintendent Brian Johnson said they’re seeing a number of students and staff sick with influenza A and strep.

Fort Dodge Community School District reported seeing a number of sick students and staff with both the Middle School and Early Childhood Center nearing 10 percent absenteeism due to illness.

According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, influenza activity throughout the state began increasing before Christmas and has continued to rise throughout January and into February.

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