This week, the Health Office was notified that seven students and one staff member from the MS were diagnosed with Chickenpox; a contagious disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus.  Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Chickenpox spreads in the air through coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters. A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash until all their chickenpox blisters have formed scabs. The incubation period is 13-17 days.

Please notify school nurse if your child was diagnosed with Chickenpox. The student must stay home from school until the vesicles become dry. The clearance note from doctor is required before returning to school.

The symptoms of chickenpox include fever, malaise, headache followed by a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled and pustule blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the face, chest, and back, then spreads to rest of the body, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area. It usually takes about one week for all the blisters to become scabs.

The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. The chickenpox vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing the disease. Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, it is usually mild—with fewer blisters and mild or no fever. The chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe disease. If your child has not been vaccinated, two doses of chickenpox vaccine are recommended for best protection.