PGCPS confirms two elementary student flu deaths; launches targeted vaccine clinics and temporary masking

Prince George's County Public Schools officials told the County Council Education & Workforce Development Committee on March 10 that the district has confirmed two elementary student deaths linked to influenza and is taking targeted steps to limit further transmission.

Superintendent House told the committee that the district has seen "2 deaths and, the potential third of, of the flu," and described immediate mitigation measures including vaccination clinics, enhanced cleaning, temporary masking in schools that reach a health-department-defined threshold, and partnership with the Prince George's County Health Department.

Why it matters: Thousands of county students rely on safe in-person learning. The district said protecting student health is the top priority and stressed multiple channels of outreach for families.

Key actions and details

- Vaccination clinics: Officials said targeted clinics will begin March 12 at school communities identified as "hot spots." Families in targeted areas will receive robocalls and other direct notifications; the district directed families to www.pgcps.org/flu for broader information.

- Masking policy: The district described a 10% threshold for a school to be considered a hot spot. In such situations, the health department may recommend temporary masking. Superintendent House said the district's approach is that masking is "strongly suggested" in those cases and "It's not something that is in place as a, a mandate with consequences." Committee members confirmed that no punitive consequences would be imposed for students who do not wear masks.

- Enhanced cleaning and hygiene: District staff outlined "enhanced cleaning" as increased disinfection of high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, desks and buses), additional sanitation supplies, hand sanitizer and wiping supplies at schools and on buses.

- Communication: The district has been conducting media outreach across local outlets and will hold additional interviews with the county health department. Officials encouraged families to keep symptomatic children home and to notify schools when students are ill.

Officials said both confirmed deaths were elementary students; one occurred at a traditional PGCPS elementary school and the other at a county charter school. Superintendent House emphasized coordination with the county health department and called vaccine clinics a priority in the identified areas.

Ending note: Council members suggested a tele-town-hall or virtual forum to give parents up-to-date information; district leaders said they will push information through email databases, robocalls, social media and school notifications.