CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (DC News Now) — The Prince George’s County Public Schools District continues dealing with heartache following the deaths of two students from the flu.
“Our hearts are heavy right now,” said Superintendent Millard House II. “We want to make sure that our love, thoughts and prayers are with these school communities and with these families.”
The two students died within a week of each other — one at John Bayne Elementary School in Capitol Heights and the other at Laurel’s CMIT North Elementary School.
Both deaths shocked people near the campuses.
“It’s tragic, and it’s tragic for anyone to, have to, pass away due to those circumstances,” said Eugene Willaims.
The deaths are just the latest challenge for the school district with the flu. It reported 72 cases at James Madison Middle School in Upper Marlboro, and 17 cases of the flu at Beltsville’s Frances Fuchs Early Childhood Center, about two weeks ago.
“So we’re paying close, close attention,” House said.
Among the steps to reduce the spread of the flu at its schools are additional sanitary supplies and increased disinfection of high-touch areas on campuses and school buses.
Williams offered a piece of advice that the school district supports.
“You have flu shots that you can take. They’re actually free,” Williams said.
The first free flu shot clinic takes place on Wednesday, March 12. Families who live in the vicinity of targeted clinics will be notified directly with details.
House also said masks may be needed if 10% of a school’s population comes down with the flu.
