In one district in North Texas, over 650 employees and children are absent due to illness, causing several schools to close. View the districts that are impacted.
-
-
Schools in Comanche and Godley ISD are closed because of an outbreak of the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
-
Doctors at Cook Children’s and Children’s Health confirmed they are also seeing a high number of cases this week.
-
Experts urge people to stay home if they feel sick.
-
-
Schools in Comanche and Godley ISD are closed because of an outbreak of the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
-
Doctors at Cook Children’s and Children’s Health confirmed they are also seeing a high number of cases this week.
-
Experts urge people to stay home if they feel sick.
DallasAttendance rates have dropped dramatically as a result of the flu and other ailments spreading throughout campuses, prompting some schools in North Texas to close for the remainder of the week.
We know:
For the rest of the week, at least three school districts and one charter school have closed. District officials said in statements that staff and student attendance was already low and that additional pupils were sent home sick after contracting illnesses on campus.
The districts and schools listed below have declared closures:
-
Comanche ISD Closed until Jan. 30
-
Godley ISD Closed until Feb. 3
-
Treetops School International Closed until Feb. 3
Despite reporting incredibly low attendance, other districts—like Caddo Mills ISD—remain open.
Highlighted
Flu, RSV, COVID cases on the rise in North Texas, Children’s Health says
Last week, the number of flu cases at Children’s Health facilities increased by 93%.
Based on the figures:
Including children who went home sick during the day, Godley ISD reported that around 650 students were absent on Tuesday. Out of 3,200 enrolled kids, that is.
On Tuesday, 60 more employees missed work due to illness.
Attendance percentages in districts that are still open have been reported to be between 70% and 80%, which is significantly lower than average.
What they’re saying:
Jeff Meador, Godley ISD’s chief communications officer, stated, “The overwhelming information that we received was that it was in the best interest of our students and staff’s health and safety to close down for a few days.”
Next steps:
Treetops School International, Godley ISD, and Comanche ISD authorities said that staff at closed campuses will strive to thoroughly clean and sterilize buildings.
In order to stop the spread, districts that are still open are advising students to wash their hands often and stay at home if they are ill.
Respiratory illnesses surge in North Texas
Everyone seems to be saying that they have the flu or that they know someone who does. That’s what we’re witnessing,” Children’s Health pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Preeti Sharma stated.
The Dallas hospital system reports that during the week of January 19, 783 cases of Influenza A were seen by physicians. Compared to the previous week, that is an 83% rise.
Additionally, rhinovirus is on the rise.
“The sheer volume of individuals who are ill at the same time can sometimes just overwhelm you. In order to stop the spread, it could be necessary to try to separate people or close a school, Dr. Sharma stated.
According to Cook Children’s, flu cases are also on the rise there.
More than 900 positive flu cases were reported at the Fort Worth-based hospital system’s emergency rooms and urgent care centers in Fort Worth and Prosper last week.
According to Cook Children’s, this year’s flu season is expected to be better than previous ones.
RSV, Flu COVID-19 Symptoms
Experts advise doing your share to maintain your health.
“Clean your hands. Apply hand sanitizer. “The other thing is that you should stay at home if you’re feeling unwell, especially if you have a fever,” stated Stephen Love, the DFW Hospital Council’s president and CEO.
Common contagious respiratory disease symptoms include:
Flu
-
fever* or feeling feverish/chills
-
cough
-
sore throat
-
runny or stuffy nose
-
muscle or body aches
-
headaches
-
fatigue (tiredness)
-
some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s crucial to remember that not everyone who has the flu will experience a fever.
COVID-19
-
Fever or chills
-
Cough
-
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
-
Sore throat
-
Congestion or runny nose
-
New loss of taste or smell
-
Fatigue
-
Muscle or body aches
-
Headache
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Diarrhea
RSV
-
Runny nose
-
Congestion
-
Decrease in appetite
-
Coughing
-
Sneezing
-
Fever
-
Wheezing
The Origin:Statements from Treetops School International, Godley ISD, Comanche ISD, and Caddo Mills ISD are the source of the information in this article. Additionally, FOX 4 interviewed Stephen Love of the DFW Hospital Council and Dr. Preeti Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist from Children’s Health.
