Two public school districts and one private school in northern Mississippi were closed Friday because of an increase in flu cases.

News outlets reported that the North Tippah School District and the South Tippah School District canceled classes because of the illness. Tupelo Christian Preparatory School was also closed.

The Tippah school districts reported nearly 350 students were absent Thursday.

North Tippah School District Superintendent Bill Brand said closing the school would allow staff to clean each classroom thoroughly to help remove the germs that cause influenza.