School Absences Due to Illness
April 30, 2026
Launch the media gallery 1 playerSouth Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) takes part in a statewide program to watch and report school absences due to respiratory, stomach, and other illness. Thirty-four public and private schools submit weekly counts to NE Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
SHDHD offers assistance to schools with higher absence rates, providing resources and support for deciding a course of action in dealing with illness in their schools. This could include recommending actions such as increased and stricter cleaning procedures. Sometimes schools opt to close for a short period to interrupt disease transmission. Monitoring school absence rates allows us to share information with the schools, to let them know what illnesses are present in the community, and how best to prepare to keep their students and staff the healthiest they can be for optimal learning. Both instances illustrate the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between the schools and the health department.
School Absenteeism Reports
- Why We Track Absences -- School absenteeism often rises 1-2 weeks before clinic or hospital visits, serving as an early warning for outbreaks of flu, RSV, norovirus, and COVID‑19.
- Privacy – Reports use totals only; no individual student information is shared.
- DHHS Weekly Report