Choteau is the latest community hit with an outbreak of the H1N1 virus. More than 70 of the school district's 400 kids missed classes on Tuesday with flu-like symptoms.

Although those absentee numbers declined slightly over the past two days, the health department has confirmed three cases of the virus.

It started on Monday, as Teton County health officials received an unusual phone call.

"I got a call from the high school, saying they had 25 absences, and their phone was ringing off the hook,” said Teton County Public Health Nurse Lora Wier. “The next day it had pretty much doubled."

Most of those sick were high school students, including the three confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu. The Choteau School District acted fast.

"We are doing everything we can to get the message out to parents about prevention,” said Kevin St. John, Superintendent of Choteau Public Schools. “We train our staff to clean the place very well, as a precautionary measure so it doesn't spread."

Choteau mother Kayla Roane is nervous about her young son.

"It's hard. I don't want to take him out, but there is nothing you can do. I did get him vaccinated."

"Kids should stay home,” said Choteau Resident Marlin Styrem. “There is no sense getting someone else sick."

"My brother is one of the guys that's home sick,” said Matt Passmore of Choteau. “I think it's not that big of a deal. We had ring worm when i was in school. It goes around when you play sports."

There were questions about this Saturday's Choteau-Conrad football game as 28 of the 40 members of the Bulldogs team missed practice one day, due to illness. That game is scheduled to take place, although the junior varsity game was postponed.

The county has yet to receive its first shipment of the H1N1 vaccine. Health officials offer the following advice.

"If you're sick, stay home, cover your cough, and get the vaccination when it becomes available," Wier said.

Teton County will hold a community flu shot clinic for the seasonal flu vaccine. That will take place Wednesday, October 28th at Choteau High School. The hours are set for 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.