Two Prince George's County Public School students died from the flu, the school district superintendent confirmed to News4.
The students attended CMIT North Elementary School in Laurel and John Bayne Elementary School in Capitol Heights.
A third student also died recently, but it's unclear if it was from the flu.
“It’s disheartening to lose any family member, but we’re talking about two young children, and potentially a third, from the flu,” Superintendent Millard House II said.
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Flu cases have been increasing, he said.
“We also know that James Madison and Frances Fuchs have had high numbers of the flu, as well,” House said.
“We’re just wanting to make sure that our families know and understand when we have cases, like, we’ve seen a few of our schools that we have enhanced clearing,” he said. “A lot of what we saw during COVID. Enhanced cleaning. Increased disinfecting at high-touch areas. Hand sanitizing is being reinforced to ensure students are sanitizing, washing hands. Temporary masks where the health department has suggested.
Prince George's County
Prince George's County, Maryland, news updates, events and information
“So, we’re working very closely with health officials when we do reach that 10% threshold to make certain that we’re not making decisions in isolation, but we’re working closely with health officials.”
Efforts are being made to keep students in consistent groups to limit interaction.
PGCPS partnered with the county health department to provide flu vaccines at schools experiencing high case numbers. The first is Wednesday. Families in the area will be notified with details.
The school system now has a web page providing information on flu prevention, as well as updates.
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