Iowa’s educational institutions are currently facing a significant health challenge, with a noticeable increase in student absences due to illness, as reported by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

The Current Situation: The situation took a concerning turn in mid-January when three schools reported that at least 10% of their student body was absent due to various health issues. This figure has alarmingly escalated to 60 schools in the last week, highlighting the rapid spread of illnesses among students.

Symptom Overview: Over the past two weeks, the predominant symptoms among the affected students have included sore throats, fevers, headaches, and episodes of nausea and vomiting, indicating a range of viral infections taking hold.

Recent Illness Trends: Specifically, for the week spanning February 4-10, influenza emerged as the leading cause of student illness, accounting for 24% of the reported cases. Following closely behind was the rhinovirus, responsible for 10% of the ailments, underscoring the varied nature of the viruses currently impacting Iowa’s schools.