Flu Outbreak Shuts Down Woodbury School

The Math and Science Academy in Woodbury, serving grades 6-12, has temporarily shifted to virtual learning due to a widespread flu outbreak. Over 20% of the school's approximately 800 students were absent on a recent Tuesday, prompting school leaders to cancel in-person classes for the remainder of the week to prevent further illness. Executive Director Kim Hinton expressed concern about widespread sickness impacting the upcoming holidays.

State health officials confirm that flu season is intensifying, with a notable increase in hospitalizations, school outbreaks, and outpatient visits. This year's flu season has already seen 113 hospitalizations, more than double the number at this time last year. Senior epidemiologist Melissa McMahon predicts further increases through mid-January and urges parents to monitor for flu symptoms and consider flu shots.

In response to the outbreak, the school's cleaning teams are actively disinfecting classrooms using electrostatic sprayers. The school hopes this temporary pause and upcoming winter break will allow students and staff to recover. Health experts emphasize that flu shots remain effective and it's not too late to get vaccinated, though this year's vaccine efficacy won't be fully known until February.