Parents & Community - Infectious Diseases

   

Infectious Diseases

Should your child contract any of the following illnesses they will require exclusion from school.

In the interests of others, it is important to notify the school immediately. 

Conjunctivitis

Exclude from school until discharge from eye has ceased

Chicken Pox

Incubation period of 10 – 21 days. It is infectious from 5 days before the rash appears to 6 least one week after the first eruption appears.

Diphtheria

Exclude from school until a medical certificate of recovery is issued. Exclude family contacts until a medical certificate is issued

German Measles (Rubella):

Communicable from 3 days before, to at least 4 days after the onset of symptoms or rash. Exclude from school for at least 4 days after the onset of rash

Glandular Fever:

Develops over 5 – 14 days and is not infectious. It is recognised by swollen glands in the whole body, fever, sore throat and abdominal pains. Should not return to school until clinically well. 

Hepatitis A:

Exclude from school until a medical certificate of recovery is issued. 

Hepatitis B & C:

Exclusion is not necessary. 

Measles

An incubation period of 7 – 21 days and is infectious five days before the rash appears to five days after the rash develops. May be re-admitted on Medical Certificate of recovery or at least four days after appearance of the rash. Non-immunised contacts should be excluded for 14 days after the appearance of the rash in the last case identified in the school. 

Mumps

Communicable 2 – 3 days before and during period of swelling. Exclude from school for at least 9 days after the onset of symptoms. 

Parvovirus B19 (‘Slapped Cheek’ Syndrome

Airborne or droplet viral infection. Symptoms are fever, red cheeks/neck, and itchy lace-like rash on the body/limbs. Incubation period of 1-2 weeks. Not infectious after the rash appears. Exclude from school until well

Ring Worm

A fungus infection transmitted by direct contact. Must stay home until completely healed.

Scabies

Itching usually begins within 48 hours. Exclude until the day after treatment has commenced. 

School Sores (Impetigo):

A bacterial infection transmitted by direct contact. Should remain at home until all sores are healed. 

Whooping Cough

Exclude from school for 2 weeks from onset of illness or for five days after starting antibiotic treatment

Vomiting before school

Keep at home for the day

Head Lice

Anyone can catch head lice where people work and play together. Look for small whitish specks stuck to hair, especially behind ears and on the back of the neck. These are lice (eggs). Lice are seldom seen, except when combing. Lice are smaller than fleas or a pinhead. If you find head lice, see your chemist or local shire regarding treatment and please notify the school. Your child may need several treatments before the head lice are eradicated. Children may attend school one day after treatment has commenced.