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Varicella (Chicken Pox) at BFS
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Oct. 5, 2011 Dear BFS Parent or Guardian,
A child in the lower school was diagnosed with chicken pox on 10/3/11. Chicken pox (varicella) is a childhood illness that causes a fever, itchy rash with blisters (these blisters are liquid filled that break open and then crust over), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, malaise or irritability, dry cough, and headache.
Chicken pox is extremely contagious and spreads easily from person to person, and can be transmitted for several days before the rash appears until after it crusts over. Serious complications can occur as a result of chicken pox infection including pneumonia, encephalitis, and skin infection. These complications are more common and can be more severe in individuals whose immune systems are not functioning optimally.
Immunization with the varicella vaccine (Varivax® or ProQuad®) protects against chicken pox. New York State Public Health Law requires that all students in preschool through grade 12 be immunized against chickenpox. Children who are not vaccinated are at risk for developing chicken pox. Symptoms may start anywhere from 10 days to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
Recommendations based on your child's vaccination history are as follows:
If your child has already had physician documented chicken pox or has received two doses of the varicella vaccine: He/she is considered immune and no further action is needed.
If your child has previously received one dose of the varicella vaccine: It is recommended that your child receive a second dose, as long as 3 months have passed since the first dose. Contact your child's doctor about getting the shot.
If your child has not received any chicken pox vaccine: Your child is at risk for developing chicken pox and the Department of Health has advised us that he or she must stay home from school from 10/13/11 until 10/28/11.
If your child has a medical condition involving his/her immune system: Contact your child's doctor immediately. Chicken pox can be a serious illness in children whose immune systems are compromised.
If your child develops chicken pox, he/she must remain out of school until the rash is completely scabbed over, and will be allowed to return only with a doctor's note clearing him/her to come back. Please contact your child's doctor for more information about chicken pox or the chicken pox vaccine.
Vaccination is key to the community's health, if your child has not yet had two doses of the varicella vaccines NOW is the time!
For more information:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Ostrander, RN
School Nurse
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