Two students attending separate public schools in Prince George’s County died recently from the flu, county schools Superintendent Millard House II told families in a letter.
“Our school communities are feeling the impact of a nationwide rise in flu cases, with increasing numbers across the county and outbreaks in several of our schools. Tragically, we have lost two students. Our hearts are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time,” Mr. House wrote.
Neither student was named in the Friday letter. One attended John Bayne Elementary School in Capitol Heights, Maryland; the other was at Chesapeake Math & IT Academy North Elementary School in Laurel, a spokesperson told WJLA-TV.
The school system called on families to get themselves and their children flu shots and plans to partner with the Prince George’s County Health Department to offer in-school flu shot clinics for students, staff and their families, the county school system posted Friday on social media.
Mr. House also urged families in his letter to keep their children at home if they exhibit flu symptoms such as coughing, fever, body aches and chills.
Inside schools and on buses, the county school system is cleaning high-contact areas more. It’s also keeping kids in consistent groupings to minimize exposure and the spread of flu and plans to impose masking and alter extracurricular activities if flu levels in a school get too high.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.