GUIDELINES FOR CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
We often have inquiries about school policies, practices, and procedures concerning diseases. In particular, we believe it is important for you as parents and caretakers to be more aware of the common problems which arise, and to know the policy of the school in regard to recommended treatments and the time to return to school. If you should have any questions about this information, please do not hesitate to contact the school or your family physician.
CHICKEN POX (Varicella): Child is contagious 1-2 days before onset of rash. Must not return to school until 5 days from the last crop of vesicles or when all lesions have dried and crusted over, whichever is sooner. All cases must be reported to the PA State Health Department.
FIFTH DISEASE: This a mild viral infection spread by contact with respiratory secretions. Symptoms include the “slapped cheek” appearance of the face. A lacy rash over the body also present, which fades in some areas and reappears in others. Usually no fever or low grade. No treatment is indicated. Duration of the rash may be prolonged. May return to school if no fever is present.
HAND, FOOT, MOUTH DISEASE (Coxsacie A virus): A virus that may cause fever, mildly painful ulcers in the mouth, and/or small water blisters or red spots on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, between the fingers and toes, and buttocks (usually 5 or fewer blisters per extremity). Mainly occurs in children 6 months-4 years of age. The only complication seen with any frequency is extremely difficult to prevent and the condition is harmless. May return to school if no fever is present.
HEAD LICE (Pediculosis): According to evidence based medical research, children should not be excluded from school due to the presence of nits. Upon discretion of the school nurse, exclusion may be necessary if live lice are found, reoccurrence of head lice, and/or there is an outbreak of head lice. The school nurse will provide information on treatment of head lice to parents on an as needed basis.
IMPETIGO: A bacterial skin disease caused by strep or staph. Blister-like lesions that quickly develop into crusted sores which are irregular in outline. Should exclude from school for 24 hours after starting appropriate medication (antibiotic) and until judged to be noncontagious. Recommended that you consult with doctor about return to school.
MENINGITIS: Bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include: sudden onset of fever, nausea, vomiting, intense headache, drowsiness, and pain/stiffness of neck and back. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION without delay. Child will be excluded from school until physician releases the child to return. All cases must be reported to the PA State Health Department.
PINK EYE-(Conjunctivitis-bacterial or viral): If bacterial, exclude from school for 24 hours after starting appropriate medication (antibiotic) and until pus-like discharge has stopped.
RINGWORM: A fungal infection of the skin commonly found on the scalp, feet, trunk, face, limbs, and genital areas. Appears as a round, reddened lesion with raised border which clears in the center as it enlarges. You should consult a doctor. May return to school after treatment has begun.
SCABIES:
Intensely itchy skin rash caused by a mite. Child must be excluded from school and must be seen by a doctor to obtain effective treatment and permission to return to school.
STREPTOCOCCAL SORE THROAT (including scarlet fever): Symptoms include headache, fever, sore throat, vomiting, and enlarged lymph nodes. With scarlet fever, a fine red rash most often on neck and chest lasts 1-10 days. When it fades, the skin peels in scales. Early recognition and adequate treatment are important to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever. May return to school 24-48 hours after the appropriate treatment or remain home for 10-21 days in untreated cases.