Dear UV Families:
There is a probable case of Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus) in the elementary school. Chickenpox is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster herpes virus. It presents with an itchy rash with small, fluid filled blisters. Chickenpox is transmitted from person to person by directly touching the blisters, saliva, or mucus of an infected person. The virus can also be transmitted through the air by coughing and sneezing. Blisters that are dry and crusted are no longer able to spread the virus. In healthy children, the virus is generally mild, with malaise, pruritus (itching), and a fever up to 102 F for two to three days.
Recommendations:
1.If your child has symptoms:
Keep your child home from school and activities, such as sports or play groups. See items 4 and 5 about when your child can return to these activities.
Make an appointment with your child’s doctor or Bassett School Based Health as soon as possible and tell the doctor that your child may have been exposed to Chickenpox.
2. If your child has a health condition that may be made worse with Chickenpox, ask your child’s doctor for recommendations.
3. If your child lives with any of the following people, ask your child’s doctor for recommendations as soon as possible:
A woman who is pregnant
A baby younger than 12 months old
Anyone with health conditions that may be worse with the virus
4. If your child has been diagnosed with Chickenpox by his or her doctor:
Tell the school that a doctor diagnosed your child with Chickenpox.
School officials may request that you keep your child home from school and activities, such as sports or play group.
Ask your child’s doctor for a note that states your child has Chickenpox.
5. If your child’s doctor says your child does NOT have Chickenpox:
Ask for a note from the doctor telling the school that your child’s illness is not caused by Chickenpox and that your child can return to school and other activities at any time.
Please make sure your family’s Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccinations are up to date. This is a required vaccination in New York State to attend school. If you need the Varicella vaccination, please contact your doctor, or call Bassett School Based Health for assistance at (607) 847-6050.
For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/index.html.
Sincerely,
Brenton S. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools