The spread of a contagious disease has never closed school during Superintendent Jerry Keane's 40-year career in the Post Falls School District.

Even last year when a measles outbreak hit the Pacific Northwest and came to Idaho for the first time in nearly 20 years, business was conducted as usual, with a watchful eye for symptoms.

"We will follow the lead of the experts," Keane said Wednesday. "If the health district says to close school, we'll close."

Despite the global outbreak of novel coronavirus, Keane said illness-related absences are low in the Post Falls School District.

"Our illness absences are down from a few weeks ago," he said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the total of confirmed cases in the U.S. is 14. No cases of disease or infection with novel coronavirus had been detected in Idaho as of the newspaper’s deadline Wednesday. The risk of infection in the U.S. is considered low.

As February comes to a close, so typically does the winter flu season. However, schools are always on alert for flu symptoms and signs of more serious ailments.

According to the World Health Organization, the strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) that broke out in Wuhan, China on Dec. 31 causes fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some patients may experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. About 80 percent of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

"They're similar symptoms we always look for," Keane said. "It's different because it's a new thing, but the symptoms are similar to what we look for every day."

The Coeur d'Alene School District is following the recommendations and guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in preparing for potential local cases of coronavirus.

“Our health services team maintains a close working relationship with the professionals at Panhandle Health, Kootenai Health and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare," said Coeur d'Alene School District Superintendent Steve Cook. "We will work closely in collaboration with all public health officials in our region to provide guidance, promote awareness and respond appropriately in the event this infection is confirmed in our community."

The district’s Communicable and Infectious Disease Policy and Procedures are up to date, outlining the districtwide plan for disease outbreak.

Keane said Post Falls has asked its students and staff to increase their diligence with washing hands, cleaning surfaces and coughing into sleeves.

Area school districts work closely with Panhandle Health District. Keane said if PHD directs the schools to do anything differently than what they're already doing, they'll follow that order.

"The bottom line is, we are paying close attention,” Keane said.