A surge in flu and other respiratory illnesses has forced multiple North Texas school districts to shut down for the week due to plummeting attendance.
Which Schools Are Closed?
The following districts and schools have announced closures:
- Comanche ISD – Closed until Jan. 30
- Godley ISD – Closed until Feb. 3
- Treetops School International – Closed until Feb. 3
Other districts, like Caddo Mills ISD, report low attendance but remain open.
“We were combining classes and pulling in office aides to cover,” said Jeff Meador, Godley ISD’s communications officer. “Closing gives students and staff time to recover while we sanitize campuses.”
On Tuesday, Godley ISD reported nearly 650 student absences, plus 60 sick staff members, making instruction difficult. Other open districts report attendance rates of 70-80%, well below normal.
While larger districts like Mesquite and Arlington ISDs have yet to close campuses, they report rising flu cases.
Health Officials Weigh In
Hospitals across North Texas are also seeing a sharp rise in flu cases. Children’s Health reported 783 Influenza A cases in the week of Jan. 19—an 83% increase from the prior week. Cook Children’s ERs and urgent care centers logged over 900 positive flu cases last week.
Experts urge frequent handwashing, sanitizing, and staying home when sick to curb the spread. Doctors advise most people can recover at home with rest and fluids but should stay home until fever-free for 24 hours to prevent further spread.
Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
Closed schools plan to deep clean and sanitize campuses before reopening next week.
North Texas hospitals are seeing a surge in flu patients, increasing demand for Tamiflu. Some pharmacies are temporarily out of stock, though CVS Health says there is no widespread shortage.
