SISD suffers chickenpox outbreak

SHEPHERD —Shepherd ISD officials are notifying families that an outbreak of chickenpox has been reported at Shepherd High School recently and are monitoring the situation and taking appropriate precautions.

Chickenpox is a contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus; contact a health care provider if you believe your child may have been exposed or is developing symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of chickenpox

• An itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters and eventually scabs.
• Fever.
• Tiredness or fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Headache.

Fever, tiredness, headache, and loss of appetite may begin one to two days before the rash appears. The rash often begins on the face, scalp, or trunk and may spread to other parts of the body. Children who have been vaccinated can still develop chickenpox, but their symptoms may be milder.

Symptoms usually develop 10-21 days after exposure. Please monitor your child during this period and notify the school nurse if chickenpox is suspected or diagnosed.

When must a student stay home?

In accordance with Texas Department of State Health Services guidance:

• Students with suspected or confirmed chickenpox must stay home from school.
• Students may return when all blisters have dried and crusted over, or when 24 hours have passed without any new blisters appearing, as applicable under OSHS guidance.
• Please notify the school nurse if your child is diagnosed with chickenpox so appropriate health precautions can be taken.
• Students who develop a rash or other symptoms consistent with chickenpox should remain home and be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Important:

During an outbreak, additional exclusion requirements may apply to students who have not been vaccinated or do not have evidence of immunity. The school will communicate directly with affected families regarding any exclusion period or return-to-school instructions provided by public health authorities.

Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine information

The varicella vaccine is the best way to help prevent chickenpox and reduce the risk of severe illness.

• Texas school immunization requirements generally require two doses of varicella vaccine for students in kindergarten through grade 12, unless acceptable evidence of immunity or an applicable exemption is documented.
• The routine childhood schedule recommends the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.
• Vaccinated individuals can still develop chickenpox, although illness is often milder.
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to review their child's immunization record and consult their healthcare provider about any needed doses.

Please contact the school nurse if you need assistance reviewing your child’s school immunization record.

Who is at greater risk?

Chickenpox can be more serious for certain individuals, including:

• Infants.
• Pregnant individuals who are not immune.
• People with weakened immune systems.
• Adolescents and adults who develop the illness.

If your child has been exposed and lives with or has close contact with someone who may be at increased risk, contact that person's healthcare provider promptly for advice.

How can families help?

We ask all families to help limit the spread of illness by:

• Checking children daily for fever, rash. or other symptoms.
• Keeping children home when they are sick or meet exclusion criteria.
• Reviewing and updating immunization records.
• Informing the school nurse of a suspected or confirmed chickenpox diagnosis.
• Following healthcare provider and school instructions regarding return to school.

For questions or additional information, please call School Nurse Jamie Watts, LVN or Theresa Trahan at (936) 628-3371 or (936) 628-3302 or email jwatts@shepherdisd.net or ttrahan@shepherisd.net.