Respiratory illnesses force two Stanly County schools to close

STANLY, N.C. (WBTV) - Aquadale Elementary School and South Stanly Middle School are currently experiencing high incidences of respiratory illnesses.

Faculty at both schools say they are working with local and state officials and will be closed for the rest of the week. The school is following protocols with the guidance of the state epidemiologist.

One South Stanly Middle School parent said her son was diagnosed with the flu over the weekend and did not return to school this week.

“I’m glad the schools are closed,” parent Kimberly Huntley said. “I’ve heard so many kids and teachers are sick. We have several family members throughout the two schools that are sick as well and if closing the [schools] helps stop the spread of the illnesses then I’m all for it.”

School officials have not confirmed if these respiratory illnesses are the flu or RSV.

[READ ALSO: West Rowan Middle School shifting to remote learning this week due to bacteria in building]

Aquadale’s Fall Fest will be postponed with a new date coming soon.

Students will learn remotely at this time.

Teachers will have access to student work on Oct. 26 and 27, and the school will remain closed on Oct. 28 and 31, according to district officials. The school and buses will be cleaned during this time.

Students will return on Nov. 1.

WBTV reached out to Cabarrus County, UCPS, Gaston County, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to see if they were also experiencing high numbers of absences and respiratory illnesses.

“Respiratory illnesses are not reportable, therefore, we have no way to determine if absences are directly related to this illness. At this time, we are not seeing a significant amount of absences in UCPS. We are not experiencing the same situation as Stanly County. We are in contact with the health department, but there’s no new information to report at this time,” a spokesperson from UCPS said in a statement.

Iredell-Statesville Schools says it has seen a rise in respiratory illnesses including the flu and RSV. No I-SS schools are remote at this time.

“In our elementary schools, we have seen a spike recently in respiratory illnesses. There have been numerous cases of RSV reported from those who have chosen to go to the doctor. There is an equal number who are showing the same respiratory symptoms but have not been diagnosed by a doctor. Additionally, our nurses have seen a rise in flu cases and fall allergies are also prevalent,” a spokesperson from I-SS said in a statement.

CMS and Cabarrus County Schools have not reported any high numbers is absences or respiratory illnesses.

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