A case of chickenpox, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, has been verified at Morgan Middle School, according to the Kittitas County Public Health Department, and some students may have been exposed. District health officials are working with the County and schools to get information out to parents. At this time no other schools are impacted, but we wanted everyone to be aware of the possibility the impact could end up being more widespread.

The symptoms of chickenpox include rash, fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite. The rash, which is often more noticeable in the torso, is small, red bumps that turn into blisters in 3–4 days, then form scabs. An infected person might have red bumps, blisters, and scabs at the same time. It may also appear inside the mouth and ears or on the genitals and scalp.

Chickenpox is spread when someone touches the fluid from a blister or breathes the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes. An infected person is contagious 1–2 days before the rash appears until all their blisters have scabs and no new blisters are forming.

A healthcare provider can diagnose chickenpox based on the rash and whether your child was around an infected person. Most children who get chickenpox will only need to rest, drink fluids, and be treated for fever and discomfort. Chickenpox can sometimes lead to more serious conditions for immune deficient populations.

Children with chickenpox should not go to school or childcare until all their blisters have scabs and no new blisters are forming.

Chickenpox can be prevented with the Varicella vaccine. Children should get two doses of varicella vaccine: the first dose at 12–15 months old and the second at 4–6 years old. Your child can get the varicella vaccine at a healthcare provider’s office or a pharmacy. Kittitas County Public Health Department offers vaccinations for children. Call 509-962-7515 for an appointment. A dose of vaccine given 3–5 days after exposure can help prevent or lessen the disease.

If you need more information about varicella and vaccinations, contact a healthcare provider.

For questions about impacts to schools, please contact District Nurse Erica Libenow at 509-925-8369 or Erica.Libenow@ESD401.org.