Chicken Pox
We have a suspected case of chicken pox in school. Although chicken pox is not a notifiable illness and is common among children, and not usually serious, contact with those affected can be a concern to some people, e.g. those with low immunity or pregnant women.
What is chicken pox?
Chicken pox is a common childhood illness. Fever and cold symptoms are often the first signs of illness and are followed by the appearance of the typical rash. The rash starts as small pink bumps, often around the neck, ears, back and stomach. These develop a little water blister, which in turn becomes yellow and oozy and ultimately crusty as it dries. The rash spreads outwards to involve the whole body finally involving the lower arms and legs. People may have only a few spots or may be virtually covered with them. In children it is usually a relatively mild illness although very occasionally complications can develop.
Why should I be concerned about chicken pox?
Chicken pox can be a serious infection in people with a much-weakened immune system (e.g. patients with leukaemia or after organ transplantation). In adults, chicken pox is a much more significant illness than in children and there is a greater risk of complications developing. Chicken pox in pregnancy may cause illness and be harmful to the unborn child.
What should I do now?
If your child is normally healthy, chicken pox is likely to be a relatively mild illness and no specific precautions are necessary. Symptoms usually develop 10 to 21 days after exposure. The infected person can spread infection for up to three days before the rash appears and until the last pox is crusted and dry. If your child has a weakened immune system, please contact your child’s GP or consultant and let them know that your child may have been exposed.
What should I do if I think my child has chicken pox?
If you suspect chickenpox, contact your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Do not use aspirin or any products that contain aspirin to control fever if your child has chicken pox, as this has been associated with the development of a rare but serious disease called Reye’s syndrome.
Can my child stay in school?
Many children with chicken pox are too unwell to attend school and are more comfortable at home. Children can spread the infection to others as long as there are any spots which are not crusted and dried. Children with chicken pox should be kept off school until scabs are dry; this is usually five to seven days after the appearance of the rash. Children with spots that are crusted and dried can safely attend school. Your GP will be able to answer any further questions that you might have about chicken pox.