An influenza epidemic causes the closure of a school in southwestern Minnesota

A school in southwestern Minnesota has closed for the rest of the week in hopes of slowing down an influenza epidemic.

"Students and staff at Wabbado Public School have been hard hit by the disease lately," said Superintendent Wade McKittrick in an announcement on Wednesday.

The school hosted 53 students and nine sick Tuesday staff members and 74 sick students at home Wednesday, "with many more students walking in the very sick halls."

"To combat the high number of diseases and try to prevent the spread, the ISD 640 will be closed on January 24 and 25. There will be no school, no activities , no practices at these dates, "said McKittrick.

The school will resume Monday, January 28th.

"We think this action is prudent for the well-being of our students."

Influenza is prevalent in Minnesota right now, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. As of January 12, influenza-like illnesses were relatively low in Minnesota compared to other parts of the country, and are actually below the moderate levels of the previous two weeks.