Dear Parents,

This is to inform you that there is a case of Chicken Pox in the fourth grade. The rash became evident after leaving school on Monday, May 12th.

Many of the students have either had the "Chicken Pox" (Varivax) vaccine, or have had the disease. However, according to the Red BooK: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this vaccine is approximately 85-90% effective. This means that up to 15% of children who have been vaccinated, may contract the disease, though usually in a much milder form.

Chickenpox is a contagious infection caused by a virus. It usually begins with a mild fever and an itchy rash. The rash starts as small red bumps that become blistery, may ooze and then crust over. Most children recover without any problems.

Symptoms may appear from seven days to three weeks after exposure. Please exclude you child from school if he/she experiences a fever and rash and alert me. If your child develops chickenpox, he or she can return to school on the sixth day after the rash began and/or when the blisters are dried up and crusted over.

If you or anyone else in your household has a weakened immune system or is pregnant, and is susceptible to chickenpox, contact your doctor immediately.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have.

Sincerely,

Cheryl DiLisio, R.N.