NEWS RELEASEContact: Charlotte Marthaler,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDirector of Policy and Planning
Oct. 3, 2007 Office: (785) 843-3060
Chicken pox reported in Lawrence schools
(Lawrence, KS)–Eightcases of chicken pox in Lawrence elementary school students and one high school student have been reported to the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department this week. Several cases of the diseasehave also been reported recently in JeffersonCounty.
Because of a newly amended Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulation, parents have been notified that children who have been exposed to the disease must provide documentation of their immunity or risk being excluded from school for 21 days after the last case is diagnosed. At this time, parents are being asked to provide a shot record showing the child has been vaccinated or has had the disease, also known as varicella. Adults born before 1980 are considered to be immune to the illness.
“The Lawrence school district is working cooperatively with the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department to notify staff, students and parents about the chicken pox cases identified at HillcrestElementary School and at Free StateHigh School,” said Superintendent of Schools Randy Weseman. “We encourage parents to read the health information that is being sent home with their students and shared in the local media and be informed about the symptoms of chicken pox, vaccination information and necessary steps to take in the event of exposure to the disease.”
At this time, the varicella vaccine is available at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department free of charge to children and staff who have been exposed.
The clinic, located at 200 Maine St., will be open with extended hours until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4. Local physicians may also have the vaccine, however, it is recommendedto call in advance to ensure it is available.
Chicken pox is usually a mild disease, but can beserious, especially in infants and adults. Symptoms include: Rash, itching, fever and tiredness and can lead to severe skin infection, scars, pneumonia, brain damage or death.
The virus can be spread from one person to another through the air or by contact with fluidfrom chickenpox blisters. Sometimes those who are vaccinated can still contract the disease,which is generally mild. The patient will have fewer blisters, is less likely to have a fever and will typically experience a faster recovery.
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