Associated Press - October 13, 2009 9:44 PM ET

PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) - The flu and other illnesses has forced the closure of schools in Pueblo, Fairplay and La Junta this week.

In Fairplay - about 85 miles southwest of Denver - three schools were closed Tuesday for the rest of the week.

Superintendent Charles Soper says students and teachers have been hit hard by the flu and other illnesses like strep throat and pneumonia.

In Pueblo, School District 70 closed Southern Colorado Early College and Swallows Charter Academy after many students had flulike symptoms. Cesar Chavez Academy in Pueblo reopened Tuesday after closing for three days due to flu concerns.

East Otero School District R-1 officials said Tuesday they are closing schools the rest of the week to try to stop the spread of flu.

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