Flu Outbreak Shuts Down Oregon School

KNAPPA, OR -- An elementary school in a small town just a few miles away from Astoria, Oregon, will temporarily close its doors as students come down with the flu. The Daily Astorian reported that 43 percent of students, as well as staff members, at Hilda Lahti Elementary School have been affected by the flu in recent weeks.

The temporary closure of the school comes after the Centers for Disease Control called this flu season an epidemic. Tens of thousands of flu cases have been reported nationwide with the agency reporting at least 37 pediatric deaths. In Oregon, at least two children have died from the flu, according to the state's Health Authority.

The Daily Astorian reported that Hilda Lahti Elementary School's high rate of flu infection caused some classes to only have about "four healthy students."

"Hilda Lahti is a kindergarten-through-eighth grade school, but kindergarten through sixth grade are in a contained area. The flu has not significantly hit the middle school population yet, and seventh- and eight-graders who attend classes at Hilda Lahti and Knappa High School will stay in school," The Daily Astorian reported. The school will be closed through Wednesday.

Public health officials are urging Oregonians to get the flu vaccine if they haven't done so already.

They are also recommending the following precautions:

• Wash your hands using soap and warm water. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• Stay home if you get sick
• Clean work and household surfaces often
• Wear a mask if you have a weakened immune system

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