Second Durham school closes due to spread of illness

The Global Scholars Academy announced their decision to close the school for Feb. 4 and 5 to "thoroughly sanitize the building."

They said this closing is in response to having roughly 25% of the student population absent and a high number of staff out due to illness.

"The health of our scholars and staff is important, therefore, we want to do our best to take measures to safeguard everyone's well being," they said.

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Second Durham school to close in the past week

On Thursday last week, Research Triangle High School in Durham closed due to illness, citing over 100 students out sick -- roughly 20% of their population.

With 100 students and teachers sick, a Durham high school closes due to illness

Officials at Research Triangle High School said there were a few confirmed cases of the flu.

To date, North Carolina has 54 deaths related to the flu, with nine new deaths confirmed this week.