(May 4, 2009)

PREMONT--Two school districts in southern Jim Wells county are shut down due to the swine flu. This after state health department reported three probable cases in Premont.

Classes were cancelled for more than 700 students at four schools in Premont and La Gloria. School leaders are doing this to contain the swine flu.

The talk of Premont and La Gloria in southern Jim Wells county is the swine flu. Many are worried about it after three probable cases were diagnosed at Premont Elementary School.

"You can tell in their faces they're scared," said Maggie Cabrera, a Premont resident. "They're taking all of the precautions."

Because of the probable cases at the school, the Texas Department of Health recommened Premont shut down the district until mid-May. Many students in La Gloria, just south of Premont, at the one elementary school district have interaction with Premont students. So leaders closed their campus until further notice.

This action by both school districts has many parents concerned.

"While yes I am at the same time the school is doing what they can to prevent it from getting around more," said Carolina Rios, a Premont parent.

Both districts announced they closed their schools to stop the spread of the swine flu. While it causes problems for parents, many support the closures.

"They're not going to school so they're safe right now, but they're not going out anywhere," said Phela Pena, a Premont parent, who has several grandchildren attending the school district. "They're staying at home."

"Any school system need to take the necessary precautions to make sure things, like this, don't spread more than they need to," said Javier Quintanilla, a Premont parent. 

Folks in the Premont area just hope the swine flu won't spread and the students can return back to school soon.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com