Impetigo

Small red pimples or fluid filled blisters with yellow scabs, most commonly found on the face (nose or mouth).
Impetigo is spread by coming in contact with the fluid contained in the blisters that form the rash, either directly or on contaminated items. It is contagious from the onset of the rash until 24 hours after antibiotics have been started.
  • Good hand hygiene & sanitizing.
  • No sharing of personal items.
  • Cover lesions, if possible.
  • Launder infected clothing daily.
    • Exclusion from school is necessary until the individual has received antibiotics for 24 hours.
    In case of an outbreak (more than 10% of school population affected), consult Public Health.

    Communication Notice (recommended to be distributed if two or more cases are present)

    We have been advised of a suspected case(s) of impetigo in our classroom/school. While impetigo is a nuisance, it is a common childhood infection. Parent/guardians are encouraged to watch their child for signs of impetigo which include small red pimples or fluid filled blisters with yellow scabs which are most commonly found on the face around the nose or mouth area.

    If you suspect your child may have an impetigo infection, please contact a health care provider for treatment or 811 for advice. If it is determined your child has impetigo, they will need to stay home from school for 24 hours after antibiotics have been started.

    To find out more, check out this fact sheet on impetigo at: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/publications/PublicHealthEducation/06012_ImpetigoBrochure_June07_En.pdf