Dozens of students were absent from school in Anaconda on Wednesday due to a variety of illnesses, according to the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Health Department.

Director Linda Best said 37 to 45 students called in sick Wednesday with the junior high and high school hit the hardest. At this time officials are not considering closing any of the schools, however students are encouraged to stay home for one week if sick, Best said.

Illnesses reported include nausea, vomiting, colds and influenza like symptoms.

There are five suspected cases of the H1N1 virus, Best said.