Flu Outbreak Closes Illinois Math & Science Academy

AURORA, IL — School officials announced that the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is closed for a week, effective at 5 p.m. Monday, due to a flu outbreak. "As a result of high levels of influenza cases and based on information from Kane County Health Department and the recommendation of Rush-Copley Medical Center, the IMSA campus will close," the school announced, saying the campus is closed until Sunday, Jan. 28, and all activities are canceled until Monday, Jan. 29.

Students were told to report to their residence halls by 5 p.m. Monday and must be picked up by their parents by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Meals will still be provided at residence halls through the end of the day Tuesday, according to the school.

"IMSA will be providing one coach bus for drop off only at Bloomington, Springfield and Fairview Heights," an alert from the campus said. "The bus will depart IMSA at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2018." Students were able to sign up for buses online.

Residence halls will reopen at 3 p.m. Sunday and classes will resume on Monday.

School officials said the campus and buildings will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected during the closure, adding, "The purpose of closing the school is to decrease contact among students in order to lessen their risk of getting sick and to limit the spread of infection."

About 650 students are enrolled at IMSA.

Image via Shutterstock