Clinic News

We have begun to see a few cases of Fifth’s Disease which is also known as Slap Face.

The following is some information that you may find helpful:

What is it?

It is a viral illness in children (usually age 10 and younger) that is seen usually in the late winter and early spring months. This begins with a low-grade fever, headache, and mild cold-like symptoms that will then pass. A few days later, a very distinct red rash appears on the face that makes the child appear to have a “slapped cheek”. The rash then spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. You may notice that the rash fades and reappears for 1-3 weeks.

Is it Contagious?

Actually, a person with Fifth’s Disease is most contagious before the rash appears. Once infected and the rash appears, the person is no longer contagious; thus, there does not need to be exclusion from school. 

The virus is spread from person to person in fluids from the nose, mouth, and throat from someone with the infection, especially from coughs and sneezes. The incubation period ranges from 4-28 days, with the average being 16-17 days. 

How do I prevent my child from getting this virus?

There is no vaccine and no way to prevent spreading the virus. Practicing good hygiene, especially frequent hand washing, is always a good idea. 

How do I treat the virus?

There really isn’t any treatment. Just wait it out.

Who do I tell?

Be sure to call our School Nurse, Mrs. Burton. Also, you need to notify others that you know who may be pregnant. There can potentially be problems for the fetus, especially in the first half of pregnancy. Fortunately, about half of all pregnant women are immune due to a previous infection. Serious problems occur in less than 5% of women who become infected during pregnancy. 

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We have begun to see a few cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease which is also known as Coxsackie Virus

What is it?

It is a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children. Symptoms include sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Children may get a fever and develop a sore throat. They sometimes lose their appetites and don't feel well. One or two days after the fever begins, painful sores may develop in the front of the mouth or throat. A rash on the hands and feet and sometimes on the buttocks may also appear.

Is it Contagious?

A person is most contagious during the first week of illness. Exclusion from school is not recommended unless the child is too ill to participate in daily activities. 

The illness spreads person to person by nose and throat discharge, saliva, fluid from blisters, stool, or respiratory droplets that spread through the air after a cough or sneeze. The usual period from initial infection to the time symptoms appear (incubation period) is 3 to 6 days. 

How do I prevent my child from getting this illness?

There is no vaccine. Practicing good hygiene, especially frequent hand washing, is recommended. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean frequently touched surfaces and shared items.

How do I treat the illness?

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually a minor illness. It typically only causes fever and mild symptoms for a few days. Call your healthcare provider if your child is younger than six months, has a weakened immune system, or has mouth sores or a sore throat that makes it painful to drink fluids. Call your provider, too, if your child's symptoms don't improve after 10 days.

Who do I tell?

Be sure to call our School Nurse, Mrs. Burton. 

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The clinic is in need of gently worn clothes. If you have any of the following items, please consider donating them to the clinic: