Twelve schools across Iowa reported 10-percent or greater absenteeism due to illness according to the most recent flu surveillance report from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Five of these schools are located in the Southeast region, but none were in Washington County.

Also, there have been 53 reported influenza outbreaks in long-term care facilities. In addition, there were 24 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported from sentinel hospitals.

People are reminded to wash hands frequently and stay home when sick to prevent the spread of illness.