Dear Parents,
Please note there has been a
confirmed case of Shingles as well as Chicken Pox in Year 5 with another
3 suspected cases of Chicken Pox yet to be confirmed in Year 2.
The varicella-zoster virus is
present in the shingles blister fluid. Direct contact with the blister fluid
can cause chickenpox in a non-immune person.
The PAC Health Centre have been in touch with the South
Australian Communicable Disease Control Branch (CDCB) to advise them of these
cases.
The CDCB have recommended that the school request that
students who are showing signs of slight fever and cold-like symptoms be kept
home from school in case they are in the early stages of the Varicella
infection. This especially applies to unimmunised children. Parents are
reminded to check their child’s immunisation status.
While the students with confirmed or suspected Chicken
Pox are Prep School students – it is recommended that parents closely monitor
students in all areas of the school including the ELC, Middle and Secondary school.
Good personal hygiene measures are also encouraged.