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Pest infestation closes Kirby High School in Tennessee for days

Posted at 1:35 PM, Aug 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-07 08:55:23-04

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Officials say a pest infestation has closed a high school in Tennessee for three consecutive days.

Shelby County Schools tells news outlets in a statement that classes at Kirby High School would be canceled again Thursday.

Several people have told news outlets cockroaches, rodents and snakes have been an issue. Carrie Fagan tells WMC-TV her daughter is a junior at the school and saw a rat and a snake inside.

County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter says the problem is a first for Kirby High School.

Officials say crews addressing the issue have been working on deep cleaning and renovation at the school. They say the infestation's source has been difficult to find so an external vendor has been servicing the campus.

It's unclear when the school will reopen.