31-01-2025
22 schools in Polk County have 10% or more kids absent due to illnesses
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Polk County Health Department is reporting that 22 schools in Polk County have 10% or more of their students absent due to illnesses.
On Wednesday Johnston Community School District canceled school for two days at its Beaver Creek Elementary School due to 20% of its students being absent due to illnesses.
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The Polk County Health Department works with schools in the county and provides mitigation strategies when large numbers of children are reported sick.
Kim McMains, a Public Health Planner for the Polk County Health Department, said the department supports Johnston's decision to close school.
'We are seeing an increase in the number of schools reporting absences due to illness at or over 10%. We did have a school nurse workgroup yesterday and talked about mitigation strategies as well as how they can report and stay informed' McMains said.
Metro News:
22 schools in Polk County have 10% or more kids absent due to illnesses
Blank Children's Hospital ER sees record high visits
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