There have been reported cases of chickenpox in school. Chickenpox is generally a mild disease and is usually self-limiting, however, it is classified as an airborne transmitted disease and therefore highly contagious.
What to look for:
- Low grade fever
- Itchy skin rash first appearing as flat spots that later develop into vesicles
- Incubation period 2-3 weeks
- Infectious period 1-2 days before rash appears until all vesicles have dried and crusted over
- Recovery in 2-4 weeks
Although chickenpox is generally a mild disease, those who are pregnant or have a weakened immunity are more at risk for complications and should seek medical advice if in contact with the chickenpox virus. Any student who has a confirmed case of chickenpox will be asked to complete a questionnaire on their return to school. Please inform the school should your child contract chickenpox.
For further information on chickenpox please refer to the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/15.html
Thank you for your assistance, your diligence will help to keep our students safe and healthy.