A few elementary students have been diagnosed with Mononucleosis. This is a common infectious disease that usually causes mild symptom in younger children, but older kids may have more classic symptoms (sore throat, fatigue and fever). The best prevention is good hygiene such as hand washing, not sharing drinks and avoiding kissing. Please see the information below from Superintendent Sager:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well. As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our students, we want to bring your attention to a common viral illness known as Infectious Mononucleosis, more commonly referred to as "mono." This illness can affect individuals of all ages, but it is particularly prevalent among adolescents and young adults.
Infectious Mononucleosis is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is commonly spread through saliva, hence its nickname, the "kissing disease." It can also be transmitted through sharing utensils, drinks, or other items contaminated with saliva. The symptoms of mono can vary from person to person but often include:
● Fatigue: Persistent and overwhelming tiredness that may last for weeks.
● Sore Throat: Severe sore throat, sometimes accompanied by swollen tonsils with white patches.
● Fever: Fever, sometimes accompanied by chills.
● Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling of the lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpits.
● Headache: Persistent headaches, which may be severe.
● Body Aches: Muscle and joint aches.
● Loss of Appetite: Decreased appetite and potential weight loss.
● Enlarged Spleen and Liver: In some cases, the spleen and liver may become enlarged, leading to abdominal pain or tenderness.
It's important to note that not everyone infected with EBV will develop symptoms of mono. Some individuals may carry the virus without ever experiencing any noticeable signs of illness. However, those who develop symptoms may feel unwell for several weeks or months.
If your child exhibits any of the symptoms mentioned above, we strongly encourage you to seek medical attention promptly. While there is no specific treatment for mono, healthcare providers can offer supportive care to help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that your child gets plenty of rest, stays hydrated, and avoids activities that may strain the spleen, such as contact sports, until it has returned to its normal size.
In the school setting, we will continue to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene to minimize the spread of infectious diseases. We encourage all students to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating or handling food.
If your child is diagnosed with mono, please notify the school so that we can take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of the illness to others. We understand that dealing with an illness can be challenging, and we are here to offer support and accommodations to ensure your child's well-being and academic success. Listed below are some key recommendations:
● Rest: Encourage the child to get plenty of rest at home during the acute phase of the illness. Returning to school too soon may prolong recovery and increase the risk of complications.
● Activity Restrictions: Advise the child to avoid strenuous physical activities, contact sports, and heavy lifting while they are still experiencing symptoms and until their healthcare provider confirms it is safe to resume normal activities. This is particularly important to prevent potential complications related to an enlarged spleen.
● Hydration: Ensure the child stays well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, and clear soups. Proper hydration can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery.
● Pain and Fever Management: If the child has a fever or experiences discomfort from symptoms such as sore throat or headache, provide over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by their healthcare provider.
● Isolation: While the child is actively experiencing symptoms, it's advisable to keep them home from school to prevent spreading the virus to others. Once symptoms improve and the child is fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, they can consider returning to school.
● Hand Hygiene: Emphasize the importance of good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. Encourage the child to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using the bathroom.
● Covering Coughs and Sneezes: Teach the child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
● Follow-Up with Healthcare Provider: Ensure the child follows up with their healthcare provider for evaluation and clearance before returning to school, especially if they have had complications such as an enlarged spleen or liver.
These recommendations aim to promote the child's recovery while minimizing the risk of spreading the virus to others in the school environment. It's essential to communicate with the school regarding the child's diagnosis and follow recommended guidelines or accommodations in place.
Thank you for your attention to this important health matter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. Together, we can work to keep our school community healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Shawn Sager
Superintendent/Principal
Lone Wolf Public School