Chicken Pox (Shingles)

Fever, itchy rash, red spots that become fluid filled and then crust over in a few days, more tired than usual, cough and runny nose. Chickenpox develops within 11-20 days after being exposed to the chickenpox virus.
This disease is spread through contact with saliva or respiratory droplets of an infected person released into the air by talking, coughing or sneezing and/or if you come in contact with the rash before it has crusted over. Someone can pass on the virus 1-2 days before their rash appears.
To reduce the risk of this disease spreading; practice proper hand hygiene, good surface cleaning, sanitizing objects that may be put in a child’s mouth, ensure fresh air ventilation, follow cough and sneeze etiquette and use personal protective equipment (PPE) if appropriate. Immunization, when available will also significantly reduce risk.
If the student has not been immunized, they need to stay home until all of the red spots have crusted over. If they are immunized, they need to stay home for 24 hours after the last of any new rash has appeared.
Concern for pregnant and immunocompromised individuals who may have been exposed, contact a health care provider for follow up.
Singles is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus and could occur in school staff/adults if they have had chicken pox in the past

Exclusion from school is not required as long as the individual is feeling well and the affected area is covered. For more information, please refer to https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/fact-sheet-shingles-herpes-zoster.html.

Chicken Pox:

Communication Letter (Recommended this be distributed if two or more cases are present)

School and Address

Date

Dear Parent/Guardian,

This letter is to inform you that chickenpox has been identified at our school. This disease is spread by direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets or droplets that are released in the air by coughing or sneezing, and/or coming in contact with the rash. Someone can pass on the virus 1-2 days before their rash occurs and until all their rash has crusted over. Symptoms to watch for are fever, itchy rash, red spots that become fluid filled and then crust over in a few days, feeling tired, a cough and runny nose.

Steps to prevent an infection should always be followed. Remind your child to practice proper hand hygiene, to cough or sneeze into their sleeve, discard used kleenexes properly and keep your child home if at any time they show symptoms of an illness. Immunization will also significantly reduce risk.

If you would like more information about chickenpox, please check out this fact sheet at: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/CDPC/cdc/documents/Chickenpox-General-Information.pdf .

For specific questions, contact a health care provider, 811, or Public Health.

Sincerely,

NAME