CONTAGIOUS VIRUS FOUND AT TUSCAN SCHOOL

This note to parents 
from the Tuscan 
School nurse today:

                                                                                                               
 December 17, 2013

Dear parents/guardians,         

This letter is to inform you that there have been some reported cases of Fifth Disease in our school. Fifth Disease is a common virus seen in children during late winter and early spring. It is relatively a mild illness that by the time you may realize it a rash appears on the cheek (“slapped cheeks”). Children are still allowed to come to school, since they usually don’t feel ill. 

It is important to know that if you are or might be pregnant, have a blood disorder or weaken immune system please contact your health care provider for further medical advice and instructions.

Here are some brief facts about fifth disease:

•        It is spread through respiratory secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

•        The first symptoms are usually mild and nonspecific (i.e. fever, runny nose, and headache.)

•        After several days, you may get a red rash on your face.

•        It usually goes away in 7 to 10 days

For more information you can go to the CDC’s web page on Fifth Disease.

http://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusb19/fifth-disease.html

Sincerely,

Ms. Thompson, RN, CSN, MEd

Tuscan School Nurse