Across Iowa, 139 schools reported 10% or more students absent due to illness in the most recent Iowa Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report. Of the 139 schools, two were in Washington County, two in Jefferson County, two in Iowa County, and one each in Johnson and Louisa counties. The report from Iowa Health and Human Services was for the week of February 1st. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Iowa’s influenza-like illness activity level is very high.

Washington County Public Health reminds people to wash their hands regularly and get an annual influenza vaccine. Also, cover coughs and stay home when ill to minimize the spread of illness.