With schools across the area closing because of illness, Todd County is just one in the mix.

But with school out, extra-curriculars are still in and officials there are keeping a close-eye on students when they take the field.

By last Friday, Todd County schools were at an 88-percent attendance rate.

Two days ago--82.

That's low enough to cancel classes. And try to get students home and well.

Some extra-curriculars are continuing, but with caution while others have taken a hit.

"As a matter of fact, our band has been hit," said Mike Kenner, superintendent of Todd County schools.

On any given afternoon, you could the Todd County Marching Rebels practicing outside practicing.

But on Wednesday, the podium is empty and the lot bare.

"You're talking probably a third of your band out and filling those holes is hard to do," Kenner said.

Illness has struck the band, Kenner says.

So much so, that the group won't perform in competition this Saturday.

"They have about 16 or more who are sick with flu or flu like symptoms," Kenner said.

Those are just some of the overwhelming number of students sick this week, causing the school to shut down.

It's a problem health officials say is not only hitting the school, but the county too.

"The health departments are getting the most current information," said Leslie Daniels, public health director for the Todd County Health Dept.

Daniels says so many in the county have asked for flu shots, the health department ran out on Tuesday.

"I've sent out e-mails to directors requesting if they had any, we'd be more than willing to buy it from them," she said. "But other directors have also sent out the same e-mail and have been unable to secure any from other health departments."

Daniels says people shouldn't panic, but practice frequent hand washing.

Words of wisdom school officials are also speaking in hopes of getting students back in classes again.

"We want them at school obviously, but we want them at school well and ready to learn," Kenner said.

Superintendent Kenner says except for the band, other sports like football are still playing.

Kenner says the team, which has a game Friday, is being monitored by coaches and staff to ensure sick players don't take the field.