May 2009

This letter is to inform you that Fifth Disease has been diagnosed among the student population of our school.  This letter is to provide you with information so that you will be aware if your child exhibits the symptoms.

Fifth disease is a common disease of school children.  The disease remains contagious from 2 weeks to 3 days before the appearance of the rash.  Children usually feel well or have only a mild illness at this time.  The disease is transmitted by respiratory droplets.

Signs and Symptoms

• Rash initially appears on the face
• The face has a “slapped cheek” appearance
• After 1-3 days, a pink, blotchy and often itchy rash appears on the arms and legs, spreading to the trunk and buttocks
• The rash develops a “lace-like” appearance as it fades
• The rash may last days to weeks
• The rash may reappear for several weeks or months if the skin becomes flushed from exercise, sunlight, or a warm bath

Management

• Consult with your pediatrician
• Treatment is usually not indicated
• If you are pregnant and have been exposed, consult with your obstetrician

For more information, click here to view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Fifth Disease webpage.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Health Office at 973-376-1025, Extension # 2491.

October 2008

Click here to download "An Important Message About Lead Poisoning".

September 2008

Click here to download the brochure Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NJ FamilyCare Information

More information can be found in the news item, "NJ FamilyCare Information from Commissioner of the Department of Education Lucille Davy".

November 2007

Head lice (pediculosis) represent one of the most common communicable childhood diseases as outbreaks are possible whenever and wherever children gather. Head lice provide an opportunity to teach children responsible health behaviors. Children can learn communicable disease prevention in a meaningful way and learn to take responsibility for their actions. Vigilant screening of your child for head lice and nits plays a pivotal role in head lice management as early detection offers the best opportunity to manually remove head lice and nits (eggs). Make lice inspection part of your child’s daily personal hygiene care at home.

What to look for: Nits (eggs) are small grayish oval shaped in appearance which firmly attach on an angle to the hair shaft. Unlike dandruff or other scalp debris, nits do not flake or fall off the hair. They must be manually removed with a lice comb. Although nits are more prevalent at the nape of the neck, behind the ears and the crown of the head, they can be found anywhere on the hair. Itching of the head is a common complaint, but not always present.

If you detect lice or nits you must inform the school nurse about your findings immediately. Contact your health care provider for advice regarding treatment options.  If you choose to use an over the counter lice treatment product, follow directions carefully! The district enforces a “no nit policy” which advises that your child must report to the health office for the nurse to inspect for nits prior to returning to class.  The life cycle of the nit will repeat itself hatching in 7- 10 days if nit removal has not been done effectively leading to re- infestation of your child. Remember over the counter lice treatments are pesticides and are not 100% effective. Parents should save time and energy on what will benefit the most: thorough nit removal with a quality lice removal comb.
Household measures: Vacuum carpets, stuffed toys, furniture, mattresses and upholstery where head to head contact can occur. Utilize a high heat clothes dryer setting for pillows, linens, clothing, etc that can be put in the dryer safely.
Preventative measures: Reinforce to your child measures to reduce the likelihood of transmission- avoid head to head contact, avoid sharing of hats combs or brushes with anyone. Keep hats in coat sleeves or pockets of jackets; avoid the piling of coats and jackets together when gathered for a group event or class. Encourage your child to verbalize if they feel itchy. 

Reducing head lice outbreaks is a school supported community cooperative effort in the school age child. Please remember to screen your child often to detect head lice and nits as early as possible removing them safely and effectively. Please refer to the website headlice.org for more information. Should you have concerns, please contact your school nurse at 973-376-1025x2491 or rgraham@springfieldschools.com