[Apswel] Chicken Pox Alert

[West Elementary School Mailing List]

Chickenpox Alert
This is to advise you that there have been 3 cases of breakthrough
chickenpox in your child's grade at West Elementary School


Information for Parents
What is chickenpox?				Chickenpox, also called
varicella, is a viral disease that can spread easily and quickly from
person to person.  The disease is most common among children under 15
years old.  Serious complications are rare, but are more common in
newborns, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and
adults.	
		
What are the symptoms?	People with chickenpox get an itchy rash that
looks like tiny blisters. The rash usually starts on the face, stomach,
chest or back, and spreads to other parts of the body. A mild fever,
tiredness, and slight body discomfort usually come with the rash.
Symptoms usually begin about 10 - 21 days after exposure to the virus.	
		
How is chickenpox spread?	Chickenpox is spread from person to
person by coughing, sneezing, or touching the rash. People with
chickenpox can spread the disease from 1-2 days before symptoms start
until all the lesions are crusted over, which usually takes 5 days.
Under state regulations, people with chickenpox must stay out of school
and work and refrain from public activities until all their blisters
have dried and crusted.	
				
Who gets chickenpox?	Anyone who has never had chickenpox and has
never been vaccinated against chickenpox can get the disease. Sometimes,
even people who have been vaccinated will still get chickenpox (called
"breakthrough" chickenpox).  Breakthrough disease is usually milder, but
it is still contagious. 	
		
How can you prevent 
chickenpox?	A vaccine is available to prevent chickenpox.
Additionally, when people receive chickenpox vaccine within 3 (and
possibly up to 5) days of being in contact with someone with chickenpox,
it decreases their chances of getting chickenpox.  
Those who have already received one dose of chickenpox vaccine should
talk with their healthcare provider about receiving a second dose of
chickenpox vaccine.  	
		
What should pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems do?
Newborns, pregnant women, and some people with weakened immune systems
cannot receive chickenpox vaccine.  If you have been in contact with
someone with chickenpox and you do not have a history of chickenpox, you
should see a doctor immediately.  You may not be able to receive the
vaccine, but you may get a shot of antibodies to chickenpox called VZIG
(varicella-zoster immune globulin), or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
if VZIG is not available, to lower the chances of severe complications.
VZIG or IVIG should be given within 96 hours of exposure.  	
What should I do if my child gets chickenpox?	Please stay home, call
your doctor and your supervisor at work.  Also, keep all chickenpox
lesions and other wounds clean and watch for possible signs of
infection, including increasing redness, swelling, drainage and pain at
the wound site. A person with an infected would, especially if fever
develops, should seek medical care.  Good hand washing and covering your
mouth when coughing can help prevent the spread of infections.
Thoroughly wash your hands and children's hands after wiping noses and
before eating or preparing food.  Do not share food, cups, spoons, or
drinking straws.	


Continued on back
What should students do?

*	If your child does not have serologic proof of immunity, a
history of chickenpox as verified by a healthcare provider, or
documentation of at least one dose of chickenpox vaccine, your child
must receive a dose of vaccine as soon as possible.
*	If your child has already received one dose of chickenpox
vaccine, you should talk with your provider about your child receiving a
second dose of vaccine.




If you develop symptoms of chickenpox, please stay home, follow the
guidelines above, and call your doctor and the school nurse.
For more information, please call the School Nurse, the Andover Board of
Health or MDPH at (617) 983-6800.

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