Contagious Disease
As nurses we are often asked about the school policy on many different types of
childhood infections. Below you will find a general list of the most frequently
seen childhood illnesses. This is just a guide and specific questions or
concerns should be directed to your health care provider. More information can
be found on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Website @
http://www.mass.gov/dph/dphhome.htm
Conjunctivitis- this can be bacterial, viral, or caused by allergies. If
diagnosed to be caused by bacteria, your child must be excluded from school
until he/she has been on the appropriate medication for at least 24 hours.
Chicken Pox- most children have either been immunized or have had the
disease but we are seeing many children being reinfected. If your child is
diagnosed with chicken pox they must remain out of school until all of the
lesions have crusted over. All cases of chickenpox must be reported to the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Fever- If your child is feeling ill and running a temperature over 100
degrees they should be kept home from school.
Fifth Disease- a viral infection that is usually mild and many times goes
undiagnosed. It is spread by cough or sneeze. A fever may or may not be present
and a rash may appear on the cheeks giving the appearance of slapped cheeks.
Rash may also present on the body. There is no treatment for Fifth Disease and
the child is usually not contagious once symptoms do appear. Although rare,
Fifth Disease can be potentially harmful to pregnant women and a developing
fetus. Please inform the school nurse if your child is diagnosed with Fifth
Disease so that staff may be notified if warranted.
Impetigo- This skin infection is caused by bacteria. Lesions are blister
like in appearance. It is spread by direct contact with a lesion. Student should
be excluded from school for at least 24 hours after beginning antibiotic
treatment prescribed by their health care provider.
Head Lice - Quincy Public Schools have a no nit policy which means
that students found to have lice and/or nits will be dismissed from school and
not be allowed to return to school until the school nurse has determined they
are free of lice and knits. Click here to view an
informational
brochure for parents.
Additional government guidelines on head lice to help with removal can be found @
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/factsht_head_lice_treating.htm#how_treat
Nausea, Vomiting, and or Diarrhea- If your child has a stomach illness
that is causing any of these symptoms please keep them home from school until
they have not had an episode for at least 24 hours.
Pertussis- Also known as whooping cough, is a disease caused by bacteria
and is easily spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing or talking. It
begins with cold symptoms and progresses to a sometime uncontrollable cough that
may sound like a whooping noise and may lead to vomiting. It is most common in
Massachusetts in 10-20 year olds who do not have the protection any longer from
the childhood vaccine. Vaccine with Pertussis is now available for older
children and adults and can prevent the disease. Anyone exposed to the disease
should see their health care provider and may be excluded from school.
Strep Throat- This is a sore throat caused by a bacteria. Symptoms may
include fever, stomachache, headache, vomiting. Scarlet fever, a complication of
strep throat may present as a fine red rash on the chest and back. Both
conditions need to be treated with an antibiotic after being evaluated by a
health care professional. Student should be excluded form school for at least 24
hours after beginning treatment.
