November 7, 2003

Dear Parents,

This letter is to inform you that there has been a student diagnosed with a case of shingles in the fourth grade.  Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus.

Shingles (also known as Herpes Zoster) is a red, painful, itchy and blistery rash typically in one area, on one side of the body, usually in the distribution of a nerve. There is usually no fever or other symptoms.  Shingles is caused by a reactivation of an infection from primary chickenpox disease.  The mode of transmission of the Varicella Zoster virus is from direct contact with the lesions and is considered contagious until all the lesions have dried and crusted over.

Exposure to chickenpox does not cause shingles, however, exposure to shingles can result in chickenpox in a susceptible person.  Exposure to shingles cannot cause shingles in another person.  Susceptible people are those without proof of immunity to Varicella.  Other susceptible people are those that have a weakened immune system, susceptible pregnant women and newborns.  These individuals should be referred to their health care providers immediately for possible treatments. 

Please contact me at the Health Office if you have any further questions.

Thank you,

Cheryl DiLisio, RN