Eula ISD, as well as schools in Comanche and Early, have temporarily shut down due to widespread illness among students and staff. The closures allow maintenance crews to deep clean classrooms and common areas to help curb the spread of infections.
Health experts say Flu A is currently the dominant strain, but cases of COVID-19, strep throat, and norovirus are also on the rise, "This seems to be a higher case count of flu, especially compared to the COVID years when we saw almost no flu," said Hayley Watson, a family nurse practitioner in Abilene.
Dr. Jessica Johnson, who treats patients in Jones County and surrounding rural communities, said about 90% of the respiratory cases she is seeing are Flu A, with some patients requiring hospitalization, "It feels heavier this year. For example, I admitted three patients to the hospital this week with pneumonia due to the flu," Johnson said.
Watson noted that while many cases can be managed at home with rest and hydration, those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for complications.
Health officials continue to urge the public to take precautions, including handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home when sick. Vaccination remains a key prevention tool, and both Watson and Johnson encourage people to get flu shots and COVID-19 boosters if they haven't already.
Medical professionals and school administrators are monitoring the situation closely as they work to slow the spread of illness in the coming weeks.