The Oak Harbor School District sent emails to about 1,500 families today, telling them how they will be notified if the swine flu reaches Oak Harbor.

Suspected cases of the flu were reported in King, Snohomish and Spokane counties. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing program in Anacortes was closed early this morning, due to possible exposure.

The email, written by Superintendent Rick Schulte, said that flu-related information will be sent as soon as possible via email, automated phone messages and in letters sent home with students.

Swine flu cases are continuing to grow in the U.S. and other countries, sickening at least 109 Americans, according to the World Health Organization.

“I’ve received about 15 emails today with directions from health officials. Everyone is watching this very closely,” district spokesperson Joe Hunt said.

The flu is characterized by fever, sore throat, body aches, headaches, fatigue and mild nausea. The illness may last up to seven days.

“If there’s a case of swine flu in Oak Harbor schools, we’ll follow the direction of the county health department,” Hunt said.

According to the Associated Press, nearly 300 schools around the country have closed. A Fort Worth, Texas school district closed all 144 of its schools for about one week.

Schulte’s email recommended that people stay home if they have the illness.

To review the email, visit www.ohsd.net/index.cfm?page=_c2&cid1=256&cid2=678.