An intense flu virus led to 53 students missing a day of school at The Catholic High School of Baltimore last week.
The 328-member student body saw that number Feb. 19, according to a school spokesperson. Just a day before, 48 were out of school. The numbers of absent students began to dwindle at the end of the week, but there were still 43 not in school Feb. 20.
“The nurse’s office has been crazy,” the spokesperson said.
Teachers were given disinfectants and paper towels during the week to maintain cleanliness. The spokesperson said the school reminds parents at the start of each school year to have their children vaccinated during a physical.
A Baltimore City flu alert was issued by the Health Department Commissioner. Local hospitals had seen an increase in positive tests in recent weeks, according to local published reports.
Schedules for free flu vaccinations can be viewed at www.baltimorehealth.org/flu.