Flu outbreak forces closure of North Jersey school district

LITTLE FERRY --  An outbreak of the flu among students throughout the district prompted the closure of schools Friday, officials said. "Due to the amount of flu and flu like symptoms that have gripped the district in the last two weeks, I am closing...

Flu outbreak forces closure of North Jersey school district

LITTLE FERRY --  An outbreak of the flu among students throughout the district prompted the closure of schools Friday, officials said.

"Due to the amount of flu and flu like symptoms that have gripped the district in the last two weeks, I am closing school on Friday, February 10, 2017," Superintendent Frank R. Scarafile told parents.

Custodial staff spent Friday disinfecting both Memorial Middle School and Washington/Memorial Elementary School to "eradicate the facility of any lingering germs," Scarafile said. As a result, all afterschool and weekend activities were also canceled.

About 14 percent of students have been absent from schools with at least 10 students being sent home a day, Scarafile said. The superintendent said that some parents have sent their children to school even though they show signs of illness. 

Starting Monday, the district will enforce its policy of not allowing students who were sent home to return the next day.

Schools were also closed Thursday due to Winterstorm Niko. Schools will re-open on Monday.

An increase in the number of flu cases has been reported throughout New Jersey this year. 

Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

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