Keep sick kids home, Iowa health officials say

(AP) -- As the swine flu virus rears its head in Iowa, public health officials are again exhorting parents to keep their sick children at home.

Polk County Health Department director Terri Henkels says despite past pleas, children are still showing up at schools sick. She noted one Des Moines-area school had more than 100 students absent Thursday, and doctors diagnosed flu in about half of them.

A health-department staff member later said Henkels was referring to Des Moines' Brody Middle School.

Des Moines schools spokeswoman Leigh McGivern said there have been no confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu at any of the district's more than 60 schools.

McGivern said district employees are thoroughly cleaning Brody each night. The school's staff also continues to use other precautions, including keeping students apart when possible.