MARLINTON -- Schools in Pocahontas County were closed for Thursday and Friday because of the flu, a school board staffer confirmed Thursday morning.

County Schools Superintendent C.C. Lester made the call to close the schools for Thursday and Friday, the staffer said. Lester did not return a phone call Thursday.

The state Department of Education is working with the state Division of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology to determine the level of infection in Pocahontas County Schools, Education spokeswoman Liza Cordeiro said.

"Of course our first concern is always the health and safety of students. Currently, we have no indication that there is a statewide epidemic in West Virginia schools. Nonetheless, we are sharing information with all 55 county school systems on measures to prevent the spread of the flu," Cordeiro said Thursday.