BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Two schools in Blount County will be closed the next couple of days following a breakout of flu cases over the last week.
On Wednesday, Blount County Schools announced that Hayden Primary School and Hayden Elementary School would be closed Thursday and Friday because of a viral spread of flu cases among students and faculty. All other schools in the county will remain open.
"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we take these steps to protect the health and safety of our community," the school system announced.
According to the latest data from the Alabama Department of Public Health, influenza cases have been on the rise statewide since October, with 1.37% of patients entering hospitals having some form of the virus.