Oregon Public Broadcasting

Schools in Oregon that closed because of swine flu, re-opened their doors Wednesday.  But as Kristian Foden-Vencil reports, one district is staying closed.

The Central School District in Polk County is keeping its six schools closed.

Superintendent, Joseph Hunter, says the number and severity of flu cases are worrying.

Joseph Hunter: “We consulted directly with the local health department and the other Oregon state health officials. And there was complete consensus due to the number and severity of the situations, that our situation was unique.”

There are three confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in the district and more cases are suspected.

Hunter doesn’t know when the schools will re-open. Calls to the local public health department were not immediately returned.

New guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control say schools don’t need to close, because swine flu doesn’t appear to be any more severe than regular flu. But the CDC also says districts are encouraged to stay closed if they have unique circumstances.