Cumberland Valley School District sent home letter to parents at Shaull and Middlesex Elementary Schools about Fifth Disease after children at both school contracted the disease.
The letter was sent home on Wednesday. The virus is one that spreads quickly, particularly through respiratory items.
Fifth Disease is a mild rash illness that is more common in children.
The school did tell us they only had a few cases and sent the letter as a precautionary measure.
To read more details about the disease, the letter from the school district is posted below:
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Children at our school have contracted Fifth Disease and your child may have been exposed.
Because the virus that causes Fifth Disease spreads easily, exposed children who have never had the disease have a chance of getting the disease.
What is Fifth Disease?
Fifth disease is a mild rash illness that is more common in children than adults. A person usually gets sick within 4 to 14 days (sometimes up to 20 days) after getting infected.
Signs and symptoms:
The first symptoms of the disease are usually mild and are fever, runny nose, and headache. After several days, you may get a red rash on your face. This is called "slapped cheek" rash. This rash is the most recognized feature of fifth disease. Some people may get a second rash a few days later on their chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs. It usually goes away in 7 to 10 days, but it can last several weeks.
People with fifth disease can also develop pain and swelling in their joints. This is more common in adults, especially women. Some adults with fifth disease may only have painful joints, usually in the hands, feet, or knees, but no other symptoms. The joint pain usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks, but it can last for months or longer. It usually goes away without any long-term problems.
How is it spread?
It is spread through respiratory secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You are most contagious when it seems like you have "just a cold" and before you get the rash or joint pain and swelling. After you get the rash, you are probably not contagious.
What should you do?
If your child has these symptoms, the child needs to be seen by a healthcare provider prior to coming to school to determine that it is Fifth Disease. If the child has been around anyone in the last 3 weeks that is pregnant, please notify that person so that they may call their OB doctor.
What is the treatment?
Fifth disease is usually mild and will go away on its own. Children and adults who are otherwise healthy usually recover completely. Children are allowed to be at school with the rash once it has been diagnosed. If you have any questions regarding this notification letter, please call the school nurse at 249-5586.
Sincerely,
The letter was sent home on Wednesday. The virus is one that spreads quickly, particularly through respiratory items.
Fifth Disease is a mild rash illness that is more common in children.
The school did tell us they only had a few cases and sent the letter as a precautionary measure.
To read more details about the disease, the letter from the school district is posted below:
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Children at our school have contracted Fifth Disease and your child may have been exposed.
Because the virus that causes Fifth Disease spreads easily, exposed children who have never had the disease have a chance of getting the disease.
What is Fifth Disease?
Fifth disease is a mild rash illness that is more common in children than adults. A person usually gets sick within 4 to 14 days (sometimes up to 20 days) after getting infected.
Signs and symptoms:
The first symptoms of the disease are usually mild and are fever, runny nose, and headache. After several days, you may get a red rash on your face. This is called "slapped cheek" rash. This rash is the most recognized feature of fifth disease. Some people may get a second rash a few days later on their chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs. It usually goes away in 7 to 10 days, but it can last several weeks.
People with fifth disease can also develop pain and swelling in their joints. This is more common in adults, especially women. Some adults with fifth disease may only have painful joints, usually in the hands, feet, or knees, but no other symptoms. The joint pain usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks, but it can last for months or longer. It usually goes away without any long-term problems.
How is it spread?
It is spread through respiratory secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You are most contagious when it seems like you have "just a cold" and before you get the rash or joint pain and swelling. After you get the rash, you are probably not contagious.
What should you do?
If your child has these symptoms, the child needs to be seen by a healthcare provider prior to coming to school to determine that it is Fifth Disease. If the child has been around anyone in the last 3 weeks that is pregnant, please notify that person so that they may call their OB doctor.
What is the treatment?
Fifth disease is usually mild and will go away on its own. Children and adults who are otherwise healthy usually recover completely. Children are allowed to be at school with the rash once it has been diagnosed. If you have any questions regarding this notification letter, please call the school nurse at 249-5586.
Sincerely,