[SutherlandMatters] Chicken Pox Update

[David Rogers]

September 27, 2006

 

Dear Parent/ Guardian,

 

Last week there were 3 cases of chickenpox (varicella), this week there
have been 2 more at Sutherland Middle School.   The students with
chickenpox have all been in the seventh and eighth grades.  Some of
these children had the varicella immunization.

 

Chickenpox is a virus occurring most commonly in winter and spring.  It
is characterized by the following symptoms:

 

Initial symptoms-sudden onset of fever, feeling tired and weak

Followed by--an itchy blister-like rash usually starting on the back and
chest

                 -the rash can spread anywhere (face, arms, legs,
eyelids, throat, etc.)

                  -new "spots" continue to appear for 3-4 days

                  -the "spots" will dry up and scab over

                  -the scabs will fall off 

 

Just a little more information on chicken pox:

The incubation period is commonly 14-16 days. 

It is contagious as long as 5 but usually 1-2 days before onset of a
rash, and continuing until all  lesions are crusted (usually about 5
days).  

It is especially infectious during the early period.  

Susceptible individuals should be considered infectious 10-21 days
following exposure.  

Infection usually confers long immunity; second attacks are rare.

Transmission is from person to person either by direct contact with the
rash or through the air by discharges from the nose and throat. 

It is transmitted indirectly from articles freshly soiled by discharge
from the rash and mucous membranes of infected people. 

Scabs from the rash are not infective. 

The very young or elderly, those who are pregnant or those who are
immunosuppressed may have the most difficulty.  (Notify your doctor if
you or a family member may have been exposed and fall in this group.)

The disease is usually more serious in adults than in children.

 

Please note:  Reye syndrome (a rare brain condition) can follow some
cases of chickenpox.  Please do not treat any fever or illness with
aspirin in children under eighteen years old without consulting your
doctor.   There may be some association between Reyes syndrome and
aspirin.

 

If you suspect your child has chickenpox, please do not send your child
to school for a diagnosis-this will expose more people to the illness.
Call your doctor.  Your doctor will inform you if any treatment is
warranted.  Most healthy children are usually treated to relieve the
itching and discomfort.

 

If your child has chickenpox, keep him/her home for 5 days or until all
of the vesicles (rash "spots") become scabbed and dry.  When your child
returns to school, please have him/her report directly to the clinic and
remain there until seen by the school nurse.

 

If you have concerns, please contact the school nurse (434-975-0599),
Roy Crewz at the Health Department

(434-972-4305) or your doctor.

 

 

 
Sincerely,

 

 

 

 
Marie Lattin-Souder, RN

 
School Nurse

 

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