Missouri continues to see high numbers of flu cases

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) – One local school will be closed until Tuesday due to the spread of flu among students and staff.

St. Joseph Christian School was closed on Wednesday and Thursday because of the flu.

On Monday, 91 students were absent, along with a handful of staff. On Tuesday, that number grew to 109 students absent, along with more staff.

Danny Maggart, co-superintendent and secondary principal, said SJCS decided to close because of the number of absences on Monday and Tuesday.

“Monday, we had several absences. Tuesday, it really started to go up with absences thats with faculty and students,” he said. “It was kind of those obvious things where it’s like okay, we need to at least take some time away because the numbers are continuing to spike.”

The St. Joseph community has been showing its support for SJCS closing its schools due to the flu spreading. 

“It’s good to see that, and you know we like to listen to our families and get their input for sure. It’s always great to see that, and we love our families,” he said.

The U.S. is seeing a surge in flu cases, with Missouri remaining at a “very high” level of influenza activity.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 1,881 flu cases have been reported in Northwest Missouri. 

Buchanan County has reported 721 flu cases from Oct. 1 through February.

Stephanie Malita, a health educator at the St. Joseph Health Department, said a surge in any communicable disease can happen at any time.

“It tends to happen earlier than February in a typical year, but it’s not out of the question to happen for this time of year,” she said.

Malita gave a few tips on how everyone can protect themselves from the flu.

“Wash your hands, that is going to be the primary way of preventing any illness. Getting good rest, eating a healthy diet and just staying healthy in general,” she said.