Cases of a contagious disease have been reported in an area school district.
According to a news release from Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Maher, on Wednesday, January 9, two confirmed cases of chicken pox were reported to Marshall Public Schools’ administration.
The release says if you or your child suffers from a chronic and/or serious illness or condition, you are urged to consult your health-care provider to make decisions for you and your family’s welfare.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), chicken pox is a highly-contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash first appears on the chest, back and face, and then spreads over the entire body, causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters. Chicken pox can be serious, especially in babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system.
According to information on the district’s website under the health-services tab, for chicken pox it says to keep your child home for seven days from onset of the rash, and at that time all blisters must be dry crusts.
An updated release from Dr. Maher says: “Students who are not immunized against chicken pox, but who have been exposed to the disease, are not to attend school for 21 days from the first exposure, even if the students do not display symptoms of the disease.”
KMMO News will update this story when more information becomes available.