KERSHAW COUNTY -- A 7th grade math teacher at Camden Middle School, Leon Kats, has died after testing positive for swine flu.

A Kershaw County school district spokesperson confirms the district has been informed Kats died Wednesday evening at 11pm at Palmetto Health Richland.

Extra counselors are on hand at Camden Middle School today to speak with any students or faculty impacted by the death, said district spokesperson Mary Ann Byrd. She said the district already cleans and sanitizes classrooms on a regular basis and that the school would place special emphasis on sanitizing Camden Middle School in response to the teacher's death.

Leon Kats had been a teacher with the school district since 1997.

Camden Middle School staff and faculty signed a tribute banner Thursday morning, in memory of 7th grade teacher Leon Katts.

Health officials say the 54-year old math teacher died Wednesday night from complications of the H1N1 virus.

"We're feeling a lot of loss a lot of grief right now," says Principal Jeff Jordan.

Jordan says Kats first came to the district in 1997 and was an advisor to the yearbook staff and other student organizations, such as the Beta Club.

 Jordan says he is doing anything possible to help students get through this difficult time.

"Not only did our students lose a good teacher, I lost a good friend and our teachers lost a good friend," says Jordan.

"We've had extra counselors here, and many students and staff have taken advantage of that," says Kershaw County School District Spokesperson Mary Anne Byrd.

Byrd says they aren't only taking care of student’s emotional needs, but also their physical well being.
Kats room is still being used but officials say there is no reason for alarm because the district regularly cleans and sanitizes the school.

"Safety is always our number one priority and we continue to be diligent in our cleaning protocols," says Byrd.  

And while no memorial has been set for Kats, Principal Jeff Jordan says plans are in the works to honor the beloved teacher and air force veteran soon.

"So I’m sure we are going to do something to tie in his duty to our school and our country when we honor him," says Jordan.  

In the meantime, students will continue to remember Leon Kats in their own way.

For more information on the Swine Flu please visit the Department of Health and Environmental Control's website:

http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/clinics.asp