Attention Jewell Families;
This letter is to let you know that we have had a confirmed case of chickenpox (Varicella) at Jewell school. The student was present the week of October 14th through 18th. Chickenpox spreads very easily by air and by direct contact. It is possible to get chickenpox just by being in the same room with someone who has chickenpox.
Since chickenpox spreads so easily, we want to give you information about the illness.
Chickenpox is a rash illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus spreads easily from people with chickenpox to others who have never had the disease or have not been vaccinated.
The virus spreads by touching or breathing in the virus. This can happen when chickenpox blisters are touched or by breathing tiny droplets from infected people that get into the air after they breathe or talk.
A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash until all their blisters have formed scabs (usually 5–7 days). The rash from chickenpox often turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that form scabs. The rash may first show up on the face, chest and back. It then spreads to the rest of the body, which can include blisters inside the mouth, eyelids or genital area. It usually takes approximately 1 week for all the blisters to become scabs.
Other signs of illness that may appear 1 to 2 days before rash include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite and headache. It takes approximately 2 weeks (from 10 to 21 days) after exposure to a person with chickenpox for someone to develop chickenpox. Children usually miss 5 to 6 days of school or childcare due to chickenpox. Anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox or gotten the chickenpox vaccine can get the disease. Vaccination of susceptible individuals within 5 days of exposure to varicella may prevent illness. Because varicella outbreaks in schools and children’s facilities may persist for several generations of cases, all varicella susceptible ≥12 months of age in the school or children’s facility without a contraindication to vaccination should receive a varicella-containing vaccine—regardless of time since exposure. (Those who also lack immunity to measles could be offered measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine.) Those with a history of having received one dose are advised to get a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose was given. If your child has not been vaccinated or is due for a second dose, please discuss with your healthcare provider.
People with immunocompromising medical conditions are at greatest risk of significant complications, e.g., pneumonia, from varicella. Staff and students with impaired immune responses or who are pregnant should consult their health care provider, if exposure to a confirmed or suspected case has occurred.
Clatsop County Public Health Department offers immunizations (vaccines) to infants, children and adults. Cost for immunizations are based on the cost of the vaccine and the administrative fee. The Oregon Health Plan is accepted in most situations. The Astoria office is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m. daily). Outreach clinic information will be posted on their website at varied times throughout the year. To schedule an appointment, phone them at (503) 325-8500.
Thank you.
Jewell School District No. 8