1st March 2021
Chickenpox
We have had four children with chicken pox in Room 2, with a few others away unwell, which may well be early symptoms. The following link to the Ministry of Health website has lots of information if you require it. I have added the summary and symptoms sections below for parent information as other children might start becoming unwell.
Junior beach day cancelled for the 5th of March
Due to the outbreak of chickenpox we have regrettably cancelled our very popular junior beach day on Friday. This day is planned to help the school get to know new parents, our parents to get to know each other and for our children to have a safe and enjoyable day swimming and playing in the outdoors. We will now look at replacing this beach day with an aquatic centre visit to achieve the same outcomes. This will take the pressure of relying on days with the right tide, weather conditions and sea temperature. In the past we have had fabulous days at the aquatic centre. A new date is yet to be decided on.
Ministry of Health information
https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/chickenpox
Chickenpox
Chickenpox (varicella) is a very contagious (catching) disease. It causes small itchy blisters on your skin.
Summary
Chickenpox is very itchy. Sometimes children scratch the blisters and they can become infected. If this happens, you’ll need to take them to the doctor.
Very occasionally chickenpox can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, problems with the kidneys, heart, joints or nervous system. Chickenpox is also serious for pregnant women.
If there are no complications, chickenpox usually clears up within 3–7 days for adults, and 5–10 days for children.
Once you’ve had chickenpox, you’re probably immune – this means your body can fight it off and you won’t get sick again. If you’ve had a very mild case of chickenpox with just a few blisters, it’s possible to get it again, but this is very rare.
How is it spread?
The virus is spread through the air by infected people when they sneeze or cough, and by touching the chickenpox blisters then touching objects or other people.
The illness starts 10–21 days after being exposed.
Stop chickenpox spreading
Chickenpox is contagious from 1–2 days before the blisters appear. Avoid close contact with other people, stay home from work and keep children home from school and early childhood education centres for 1 week from the appearance of the rash until all blisters have dried.
Remember: chickenpox is serious for pregnant women and people who are have a reduced immune response (eg, children with cancer).
The chickenpox virus is spread through the air by infected people when they sneeze or cough.
- Always turn away from others and use tissues when you cough or sneeze.
- Always wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
Chickenpox can also spread through touching the blisters and then touching objects or other people.
- Wash your hands often, especially if you’re the caregiver of a child with chickenpox – and make sure they do the same.
- Discourage children from scratching the blisters.
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Summary- Symptoms(active tab)
Symptoms
People with chickenpox have small blisters (like a rash) on their skin.
These can be very itchy.
Other symptoms of chickenpox are:
- tiredness
- fever
- general aches and pains.
How long chickenpox lasts
If there are no complications:
- adults generally have the chickenpox infection for 3–7 days
- children are usually ill for about 5–10 days.
Teenagers and adults are more likely to have complications or feel sicker from chickenpox than children.
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