Widespread illness spikes across Iowa, including Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT — Despite unseasonably warm weather lately, school districts across the state are reporting high levels of student and staff absences due to illnesses. Due to this rise in reported sickness, local health officials and educators are urging families to take precautions as respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, continue to spread.

With a study from the Center for Disease Control stating that children are twice as likely to develop symptomatic flus as adults 65 years and older, it is unsurprising that Mt. Pleasant Community School District recently took to social media acknowledging the rise in illness among students and the broader community.

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“The MPCSD health team has seen a rise in illness in both our student population and in our community,” the statement read. “We wanted to share our policy as we work together to keep our schools and communities happy and healthy! If you have any specific questions about your student, please reach out to your child's school or school nurse via phone or email.”

With this statement, the district also chose to remind those in the district of its illness guidelines, which advise parents to keep children home if they experience vomiting, diarrhea, a fever of 100 degrees or higher, or if they require medication to feel well enough for school. Additionally, students must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.

Schools across Iowa see impact of illnesses

Mt. Pleasant is not alone in dealing with widespread illness. Just northwest of the district, Laurens-Marathon Elementary School in Pocahontas County closed early on Monday, Feb. 2, after nearly a quarter (24%) of students and staff were out sick. Superintendent Kevin Wood announced that the building would remain closed on Tuesday to allow for deep cleaning of high-traffic areas.

Similarly, an elementary school in Johnston closed for two days last week due to similar outbreaks.

According to the Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) Iowa Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for Jan. 19-25, released on Jan. 31, influenza cases — specifically AH1N1pdm09 and Influenza A H3 — rose significantly in late January compared to the previous year.

The report also noted a statewide surge in respiratory viruses, including RSV, COVID-19, and norovirus. Data from the week of Jan. 18 indicated that at least 73 schools in Iowa had reported student absences of 10% or higher due to illness.

Prevention measures and Public Health guidance

According to the CDC, those with some or all of the following signs and symptoms may have the flu:

Fever

Cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle or body aches

Headaches

Fatigue

Vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The flu is spread mainly via tiny droplets made when contagious individuals cough, sneeze, or talk, which is why staying home when sick plays a critical role in keeping those in schools and communities healthy.

Public health officials continue to stress the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of illnesses in schools and communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following actions:

Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Health officials encourage everyone six months and older to receive a flu shot.

This is especially important for those around small children unable to receive the vaccine.

Practice good hygiene: Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces can help reduce transmission.

Stay home when sick: Keeping children and adults home when experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or body aches can prevent the spread of illness.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com