Communicable Diseases

The following information is from the Elementary Student Handbook:

Under certain conditions pupils may be excluded from school for medical reasons.

Other services are provided by the school nurses to help you and your child. First aid is administered for minor accidents which occur at school. If your child becomes ill while in school, you will be contacted by either the nurse or the teacher. It is of the utmost importance that we have a telephone number where you can be reached in case of emergency.

Please remember that the school nurse is not a doctor, and she may not treat a child for an illness. It is the responsibility of the parent to have the child treated by a physician whenever necessary. PLEASE DO NOT SEND A CHILD TO SCHOOL WHEN SICK: NOR SHOULD THE SCHOOL NURSE BE ASKED TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS.

Children should be kept home when they have contagious diseases such as impetigo, pinkeye, or chicken pox. Many people take these diseases too lightly and often a more serious complication can follow. For your convenience the following chart of signs, symptoms, and length of illness is provided so you will know when to keep your child at home. Your cooperation will help prevent the spread of these diseases. Please contact the school nurse if you have questions about keeping your child home from school.

Aids

Unknown

Individual case-by-case determination

Best described by your family physician

Chicken Pox

2-3 Weeks

Until temperature is normal and scabs are dry and crusted

Slight fever, listlessness, blister-like spots turning to crusts

German Measles

12-22 Days

At least four days from onset of rash and temperature is normal

Mild cold, slight pinkish rash which gives a blush to the skin and fades with pressure - Disappears within three days

Head Lice

Treatment

Until nits are removed and judged non-infective by the school nurse. Absences in excess of 3 days may be deemed Unlawful.

Extreme itchiness of scalp and appearance of nits or lice

Impetigo

Unknown

Until judged non-infective by the school nurse or the child's physician

Crust-like sores with a discharge - Occurs mainly around the mouth and nose - Appears in small groups and single spots

Influenza

24-72 Hours

Early stages and while fever is present

Sudden onset of fever, aches and pains in the back and limbs, runny nose, sore throat, chest cough

Measles

7-18 Days

At least four days from onset of rash and temperature normal

Mild fever, aches and pains, listlessness, redness and watering of eyes, cough, fine red rash appearing on face, neck, or behind ears - Lasts about five days

Mumps

12-26 Days

Nine days from onset or until swelling subsides and temperature is normal

Slight fever listlessness, nausea, irritability, swelling, inflammation and tenderness of the glands of the neck from the tip of the ear downward under the chin

Bacterial Conjunctivitis
(Pinkeye)

Unknown

Twenty-four hours after start of medication

Redness of eye, drainage

Ringworm

Unknown

Until judged non-infective by the school nurse or child's physician

Scaly patches on head or body, sometimes itchy (child may attend school if scales are covered)

Scabies

Until treatment is completed

Fine scab-like rash which is very itchy

Scarlet Fever
 or Scarlatina

1-10 Days

Seven days from onset or twenty-four hours after starting medication (doctor's certificate needed showing date treatment began)

Sudden sore throat, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting - Bright red rash begins on the upper chest one to three days after onset, spreads rapidly over neck, arms, body, and legs - Skin appears velvety

Whooping Cough

1-3 Weeks

Four weeks from onset or seven days after starting appropriate therapy (doctor's certificate needed showing date treatment was started)

Head cold, dry cough, which is worse at night, followed by a sudden, rapid deep drawing in of the breath accompanied by a characteristic whoop

Head Lice Treatment

The following is suggested if your child is found to have head lice:

• Wash the child's hair with a pediculicide (head lice) shampoo.

• Remove all lice nits (eggs).

• Soak hair brushes and combs in hot water or pediculicide shampoo for 10 minutes.

•  Machine wash, in hot water, bed linens, towels, and clothing most recently worn (including hats, hair bands, sweaters, and jackets). Dry at least 20 minutes on hot cycle in dryer.

• Vacuum mattresses, upholstery (couches and stuffed chairs), and carpets. Throw away the vacuum bag.

• Put an a dark plastic bag any stuffed toys and pillows that can't be washed. Leave for 2 weeks.

Teach your child the importance of not sharing combs, hairbrushes, headbands, hats, caps, pillows. Your child is to return to school as quickly as possible with all nits (eggs) removed. The school nurse must check each child before being allowed to return to the classroom. It is a good idea to call your child's school to schedule the head check because each nurse covers several school buildings. Also, you, as the parent or guardian, must bring your child to be checked - not jus send the child to school.

Your child must be back in school within 3 school days or the days will be counted as unlawful.

Once your child has had head lice, check your child's hair every day until time to retreat the hair - 7 to 10 days. Remove any nits you find. After retreatment, recheck your child' hair regularly.

Thank you for the cooperation.