March 16, 2018
Varicella Case at Henry J. Winters Elementary School
in Pawtucket
On March 16, the Rhode Island Department of Health’s (RIDOH) Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (CAIDE) was notified that one second grader at Henry J. Winters Elementary School in Pawtucket was diagnosed with varicella. The following children are considered exposed:
- Students in the 1st grade, classroom 1-8 at Henry J. Winters Elementary School
A letter will be sent to parents of exposed students, notifying them of the case of varicella, describing the illness, and recommending vaccination if appropriate. The text of the letter follows this advisory.
CAIDE advises healthcare providers to have a high index of diagnostic suspicion for students at Henry J. Winters Elementary School (particularly 1st grade students), who present with symptoms of generalized and pruritic rash, fever, and malaise. In addition, healthcare providers are urged to check the vaccination status of patients and household members and encourage those who are not vaccinated to protect themselves by getting vaccinated for varicella.
CAIDE would like to encourage providers to confirm every varicella diagnosis by performing laboratory testing. With 95% of Rhode Island children 19-35 months old covered with one or more doses of varicella-containing vaccine, most cases of varicella occur in vaccinated children. Clinical features of breakthrough varicella are often mild and atypical. It can be difficult to make a varicella diagnosis on clinical presentation alone, as many other diseases, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease can resemble varicella.
Molecular (PCR) testing is the most reliable method to confirm varicella infection. If you suspect varicella in a patient, please submit a swab to a commercial laboratory for PCR testing. The laboratory can advise you on specimen collection and submission specifics. If the results are positive, please report to RIDOH using the varicella reporting form. Serologic testing is not a reliable or swift method for routine confirmation, especially in vaccinated persons. Laboratory testing for varicella can help avert unnecessary public health action and parental panic, as well as ensure that cases of varicella are properly identified and isolated.
For additional information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/varicella.html
Varicella is a reportable disease. See http://health.ri.gov/diseases/infectious/resultsreportable.php.
Varicella surveillance is important to detect and control outbreaks, institute post exposure control measures and make progress towards disease elimination targets.
Any questions can be directed to RIDOH at 401-222-2577.
Varicella Advisory Sent to Parents
16 March 2018
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We are writing to advise you that 1 student in the 1st grade has been diagnosed with chickenpox (Varicella). If your child is in 1st grade classroom 1-8, he or she has been exposed to chickenpox. You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of chickenpox and know when to vaccinate your child.
Chickenpox is a very contagious disease. The virus spreads easily through the air by sneezing and coughing, or by contact with the blisters. Early symptoms may include aching, fever, and sore throat, followed by a very itchy skin rash with or without blisters.
We are working with the Rhode Island Department of Health to help prevent more students from getting sick. The best protection against chickenpox is vaccination. By getting your child vaccinated, you protect your child and others from getting chickenpox.
IF your child has NEVER received a chickenpox vaccine OR IF your child has received only ONE chickenpox vaccine in early childhood, THEN please arrange for your child to see his/her health care provider as soon as possible to get up-to-date on vaccinations.
IF your child has already received BOTH vaccinations OR IF your child has already had chickenpox (documented by a health care provider), your child is considered immune and does not need any chickenpox vaccines. However, if your child develops a rash-like illness, please have the rash evaluated by a health care provider before returning to school.
Please make sure your child’s vaccination record is updated at school by bringing us a copy.
For more information on chickenpox see: http://health.ri.gov/diseases/vaccinepreventable/?parm=19
If you have any questions, please call my office or the Rhode Island Department of Health at (401) 222-2577. |
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