Chickenpox - confirmed case
Chickenpox
We have been informed of a confirmed case of chickenpox. (Fully immunised child)
The student who has contracted chickenpox is currently at home and will remain so until they are no longer contagious, as per health guidelines.
What to Watch For:
The typical symptoms of chickenpox include:
- A mild fever
- Feeling unwell, tired, and irritable
- Loss of appetite
- An itchy rash that develops into small, fluid-filled blisters.
These blisters eventually crust over.
The rash usually appears on the face, scalp, chest, back, and then spreads to the rest of the body.
What You Need to Do:
- Please be vigilant and monitor your child for any of the symptoms mentioned above.
- If your child develops any of these symptoms, please keep them home from school and seek advice from your family doctor or healthcare provider. It is important to inform your doctor that there has been a case of chickenpox at the school.
- Children with chickenpox should remain at home until all blisters have crusted over, which usually takes about 5-7 days after the rash first appears.
- If your child has already had chickenpox or has been vaccinated against it, the risk of infection is very low. However, breakthrough cases can occasionally occur, although they are usually milder.
- If you are unsure about your child's vaccination history or whether they have had chickenpox before, please consult your doctor.
School Procedures:
We are taking the necessary precautions to minimize the spread of the illness. This includes reinforcing good hygiene practices among students and staff, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.
If there are any further confirmed cases that may impact the school community, we will notify you promptly.
Please see attached NSW Health Chickenpox Fact Sheet