Upon confirmation of a communicable disease, parents are expected to notify the nurse immediately as it is important to establish the date of onset. It is essential that the parent(s) report a child’s diagnosis of fifth disease to the school office so that staff members can provide medical surveillance or consult with their physicians.

The procedures below are in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for the Control of Communicable Disease as issued by the Illinois Department of Health.

All children are to be excluded from school for a communicable disease or a condition which is readily transmitted to others. The following restrictions apply:
• Chicken Pox: Exclusion for at least six days after the onset of skin eruption
• Mumps: Exclusion for nine days after the onset of swelling and until all swelling is gone.
• Strep Infection: Exclusion until the child has been on antibiotic therapy for at least 24 hours.
• Pink-Eye (Conjunctivitis): Exclusion until diagnosed by a physician. If bacterial, antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours and the eye is clear before the child returns to school. If viral, child may return to school with a written statement from a physician that the condition is not contagious.
• Skin Rashes, and Eruptions: Exclusion until the condition clears or the parent presents a written statement from a physician that the child’s condition is not contagious.
• Infectious Mononucleosis, Meningitis, and Hepatitis: Exclusion until the parent presents a written release from a physician.
• Head Lice: Exclusion until nit-free and checked by the school nurse.
• Other: Management in accordance with the Illinois Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

If any child has an acute upper respiratory infection, sore throat, earache, upset stomach, diarrhea, or an elevated temperature, keep him/her at home. Children should remain at home for 24 hours following an episode of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea to help ensure full recovery.

Communicable Disease Notices

The elementary schools will send parents a notice if a specific communicable disease has been reported in a child’s classroom. Letters will be sent for the following: chicken pox, head lice, meningitis, measles, mumps, rubella, streptococcal infections, infectious mononucleosis, acute bacterial conjunctivitis (pink-eye), and fifth disease.

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