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Iowa Schools Shift to Remote Learning Amid Winter Illness Surge
30 Jan
Summary
- Keota schools closed Thursday for remote learning due to high student and staff illness.
- Iowa sees higher flu test positivity (29%) than national average (18%).
- Winter illnesses surge, impacting schools and increasing hospital visits.
Keota Community School District in Keota, Iowa, announced a shift to remote learning for its students on Thursday, January 29, 2026. This measure was implemented due to a high volume of illness among both students and staff, affecting both elementary and junior/senior high schools.
The district's decision coincides with a severe winter illness season across Iowa. Data from the week of January 17, 2026, shows flu test positivity in Iowa at 29%, significantly higher than the national average of 18%. This elevated rate contributes to increased emergency department visits for influenza in the state.
Earlier in the winter, similar outbreaks led to school closures and health advisories in other states. Villa Duchesne Catholic School in St. Louis, Missouri, and Moulton-Udell school district in Iowa both experienced temporary shutdowns in December 2025 due to widespread sickness.
