2019 Noval Coronavirus (2019-nCOV)

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

Learn more about 2019-nCOV, including signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment, on the CDC website here. 

In RTSD, nurses have been alerted to be extra vigilant for the symptoms of 2019-nCOV, including sneezing, runny nose, fatigue, cough, fever, and a sore throat, particularly in students who have recently traveled out of the country. As always, RTSD custodial services will continue to disinfect all classroom and high-use surfaces regularly.

Enterovirus 68 (EV-D68)

Learn more about this respiratory illness identified as enterovirus 68 (EV-D68): More info

Measles

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat, and is followed by a rash that spreads all over the body.

Measles can be serious, especially for children younger than 5 years old. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and death. Learn more about measles:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• American Academy of Pediatrics
  
  

Mumps

Below are some resources specific to the mumps virus. Please note, links will take you to external websites.

• Quick Guide to Mumps (PA Dept. of Health)
• Mumps Info (CDC)
   

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

A fact sheet prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Health defines pertussis, or whooping cough, as a contagious disease involving the lungs and airways. It is caused by a bacterium, Bordetalla pertussis, that is found in the nose, mouth and throat of an infected person. More than 100 cases are reported each year in PA, mostly in children.

Allergic Reactions

If your child has a history of an allergic reaction to food, insects or medication, please notify the school nurse so provisions can be made to provide treatment in the event of an exposure. More info

MRSA

MRSA infections are skin and soft tissue infections that may appear as pustules or boils which are often red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. These skin infections usually occur at sites of visible trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair; i.e., back of neck, groin, buttock, armpit, or beard of men. More info