Airborne Transmitted Illnesses
A virus with cold-like symptoms with itchy red rash that develops blister-like head that scabs over later. More than 90% effectively prevented with two doses of the Varicella vaccine. Report cases to the Virginia Department of Health within 3 days.
What is Chickenpox?
An ocular infection (can be viral or bacterial) that presents as redness of the white portion of the eye and inner eyelid, swelling of the lids, yellow discharge from eyes, and itching. Requires antibiotic treatment- exclude for 24 hours after medication is started.
What is Conjunctivitis or "Pinkeye?"
A bacterial infection caused by contaminated food which causes stomach cramps, diarrhea, often bloody diarrhea and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Only some types of this bacteria cause illness, many types of this bacteria are good and can be found in the healthy digestive systems of humans and animals.
What is E. coli?
A skin irritation of the skin in and around the buttock and genital area often caused by prolonged contact to moisture, ammonia, and organic acids or a reaction to an antibiotic, or a soap, lotion, etc. Prompt changes or fresh air exposure (at home) helps prevent and improve this condition. Petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment may also help.
What is a Diaper Rash?
The most widely effective prevention method for communicable diseases in early childhood settings and other environments. When access to (ideally, warm) running water is available should not be replaced with sanitizers. Young children should be taught proper technique and infants and toddlers may need hand-over-hand assistance or modeling.
What is hand-washing?
A highly contagious virus presenting as an upper respiratory infection accompanied by slight fever, chills, runny nose, fatigue, muscle ache and headaches. Rarely severe or dangerous. Due to many variants is not preventable with a vaccine and is not treatable with an antibiotic.
What is a common cold?
A bacterial infection commonly caused by improperly cooked poultry, milk, or eggs or contact with certain infected animals. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, sudden fever, severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting that lasts 5-7 days. Recovery is typically possible without treatment. Dehydration is a possible complication. Report cases to the Virginia Department of Health within 3 days.
What is Salmonella?
A secondary infection caused by a bacteria (or less often a virus) which is common in children age three and younger due to anatomy and developing immune system defenses. Causes inflammation and fluid build up (effusion) and can also cause fever, irritability and partial or temporary hearing loss. Most cases are treatable with antibiotics, repeated cases can cause language delays and may require a tempanostomy.
What is Otitis Media or "Ear Infection?"
A highly effective method of preventing many viral or bacterial communicable diseases. Legally required in all states prior to enrolling in school or child care, with exceptions for specific (often religious) exemptions. Communities with greater exemption requests have greater incidence of outbreaks of preventable diseases, sometimes even infecting non-exempt individuals with "breakthrough" infections.
What are vaccinations?
A bacterial infection with high fever, sore, red throat; may also have nausea, vomiting, headache, and enlarged glands. Sometimes symptoms are mild and may or may not have sore throat and fever. Requires testing and antibiotic treatment to avoid serious health complications like arthritis, heart valve damage and kidney disease. Report strain A to the Virginia Department of Health within 3 days.
What is Streptococcal Infection (Strep Throat)?
A viral infection with mild or no symptoms in children under age 2 and mild sore throat, fever and fatigue in older children or adults. This virus can be present for months following infection and can be shed/spread through bodily fluids. This virus carries a high risk of fetal damage if mother is infected during pregnancy.
What is Cytomegalovirus/CMV?
A viral infection characterized by fever, fatigues, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain (in region of the liver.) May be accompanied by jaundice, especially in adults. Preventable with a 2 dose vaccine. Report cases immediately to the Virginia Department of Health.
What is Hepatitis A?
Pain and irritability, excessive drooling and the desire to bite down or chew on things can be caused by this natural process. While inflammation can cause a slightly elevated temperature, it does not cause temperatures in a fever range. Cool, soft (safe) materials to chew on can provide some relief.
What is teething?
A method by which teachers or other staff members quickly check children for common signs or symptoms of illness at arrival to preschool or school. Look, listen, feel and smell for signs and symptoms like fever, rashes, discharge from nose, eyes, ears, coughing, sneezing, labored breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, mood changes, complaints of pain or not feeling well or illness in the family. Talk to guardian and child. Exclude children with symptoms before entering class.
What is a Daily or Morning Health Check?
A bacterial infection with cold-like symptoms (runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever) followed by a harsh cough that sounds like a barking seal as well as gasping for air, vomiting and exhaustion. Treatable with antibiotics and largely preventable with Tdap/DTaP immunization. Report cases immediately to the Virginia Department of Health.
What is Pertusis or Whooping Cough?
A blood borne virus with slow onset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Can be asymptomatic. Causes liver damage/disease. Preventable with HBV vaccination. Report cases to the Virginia Department of Health within 3 days.
What is Hepatitis B?
Most common intestinal worm infection characterized by irritability, rectal itching. Can be present without symptoms. Transmitted from person-to-person (fecal/oral) or indirectly through contaminated bedding, food, clothing, swimming pools.
What is Pinworms?
A short-lived rash caused by a blockage in the sweat glands. Common among infants and toddlers and occurs most often during the summer months. Noncontagious and not particularly dangerous. Affected skin can be washed with cool water and dried fully.
What is a heat rash?
Written rules regarding symptoms and health conditions under which children may not attend your school. Some examples are: fever over 100*F orally or 99*F axillary (under arm,) without fever reducing medicine for at least 24 hours, diarrhea, vomiting (within 24 hours) drainage from nose, eyes, ears, blisters/sores, uncontrollable coughing, excessive fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, irritability.
What is a health exclusion policy?
A virus with mild cold-like symptoms and a distinctive, bright red rash on face, especially cheeks. No vaccine available for this virus and not treatable with antibiotics.
What is Fifth Disease or "Slapped Cheek?"
A bacterial infection that can be caused by the bite of a specific insect. Can develop rash at or around the site of the bite, followed by flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache and joint pain. Requires testing and antibiotic treatment. When left untreated can cause health complications such as arthritis, heart or neurological problems. Report cases to the VDH within 3 days.
What is Lyme Disease?
A bacterial or parasitic infection spread through contaminated food or water and via flies. Symptoms include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea (which may contain blood, pus or mucus,) possible high fever, headache, abdominal pain. Treatable with antibiotics and may require hospitalization. Can be fatal in young children. Report cases to the Virginia Department of Health within 3 days.
What is Shigellosis or "Dysentery?"
Unexpected, sudden death of an infant due to natural causes, often during sleep. May be attributable to defects in the brain causing issues with breathing, temperature regulation, heart rate and sleep patterns. A "Safe to Sleep" campaign that recommends placing infants on their backs to sleep has reduced the incidence of this by approximately 50%.
What is SUID/SIDS?
School and classroom practices that minimize the spread of communicable diseases such as temperature control (68*F-70*F,) access to a sink and established times for handwashing, routine cleaning (soap & water) and sanitizing (bleach & water) of toys and classroom surfaces, careful management and separation in diapering/toileting areas and food preparation or service areas, access to fresh air or air purifier, education regarding catching coughs/sneezes, use of tissues, etc.
What are Environmental Control practices/policies?