Flu closes private boarding school

October 16, 2009 - 10:57am

ST. JAMES -- The rapid spread of influenza and H1N1 flu has prompted the closure of a private boarding school near Hagerstown.

St. James School announced Wednesday it will suspend classes and sporting events from the end of the school day today until Oct. 26.

School nurse Janice McWilliams told The Herald-Mail there have been 38 cases of flu, including two confirmed cases of swine flu, among the school's 231 students since Oct. 6.

Some St. James students live in Frederick County.

The action means an early start to a fall break that was to have begun next Thursday.

Headmaster Mark Batson could not be reached for comment.

In a letter mailed this week, the Washington County Health Department and the public school system reported that 98 percent of flu cases in that county are H1N1. The health department has worked closely with school and county staff to monitor absenteeism and keep the public informed.

Updates will be provided on the health department's flu hot line, 240-313-3456, as information becomes available.

by From Staff and Wire Reports @ The Frederick News-Post

ST. JAMES -- The rapid spread of influenza and H1N1 flu has prompted the closure of a private boarding school near Hagerstown.

St. James School announced Wednesday it will suspend classes and sporting events from the end of the school day today until Oct. 26.

School nurse Janice McWilliams told The Herald-Mail there have been 38 cases of flu, including two confirmed cases of swine flu, among the school's 231 students since Oct. 6.

Some St. James students live in Frederick County.

The action means an early start to a fall break that was to have begun next Thursday.

Headmaster Mark Batson could not be reached for comment.

Updates will be provided on the health department's flu hot line, 240-313-3456, as information becomes available.

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