BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Sporadic cases of strep throat, mononucleosis and upper respiratory infections have surfaced in the Baldwin County Public School System, but no serious flu outbreaks have been reported at the beginning of the four-month flu season, according to Terry Wilhite, spokesman for the school system.

A high number of upper-respiratory illness was reported at Daphne East Elementary School, and 40 students called in sick Wednesday, Wilhite said.

“Forty is about average for this time of year at Daphne East,” Wilhite said. “The three-day weekend helped bring those numbers down.

“There has been a number of stomach virus cases countywide, the old fashioned throw-up viruses.

“Our school nurses stay very busy from January through April. The viruses are contagious, of course, and it doesn’t take long to become rampant among kids.”

Wilhite said all teachers have hand sanitizers in classrooms and encourage student use, as well as coughing into their elbow. Anti-bacterial soap is available in every bathroom.

“Our school nurses do a fantastic job in stressing good hygiene,” Wilhite said. “But we are encouraging parents to keep children home until they are completely clear of fever and symptoms.”