Brick Schools Warn Of Chickenpox Outbreak

Students at three Brick Township schools have been diagnosed with chickenpox, according to a report on the Asbury Park Press.

A letter from Superintendent Walter J. Uszenski, addressed to parents and staff and posted on the district’s website, does not specify which schools, but the Press report says the students attend Brick Memorial High School, Veterans Memorial Middle School and Veterans Memorial Elementary School.

“This letter is to inform you that Varicella (chickenpox) has been reported in the Brick Township School District. I am informing you of this as a precaution,” Uszenski’s letter says.

The letter goes on to warn that anyone who has not been vaccinated for chickenpox or who has not had chickenpox is at risk of developing the disease.

Evidence-based findings have suggested that prior vaccination with the Varicella vaccine in some individuals does not provide lifetime immunity. Receiving a booster of the Varicella vaccine is an issue that should be discussed with your primary health care provider.

Chicken pox presentation in previously immunized individuals is often significantly less severe with fewer “pox”. Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It is easily spread through the air by sneezing and coughing or through contact with someone’s chickenpox sores.

This virus usually infects younger children; however, older children and adults can also become infected if they haven’t already had chickenpox or been vaccinated.

Early symptoms may include aching, fever, and sore throat. Then a very itchy skin rash develops that may turn into as many as 400-500 sores. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is routinely recommended for all children 12 months of age and older and for unvaccinated persons following exposure to or contact with someone with chickenpox.

If Varicella vaccine is given within 72 hours of exposure to chickenpox, it may prevent or reduce the severity of the disease. If your child is susceptible, or if you are unsure, please call your child’s health care provider to discuss vaccination.

If your child has never had the disease or been vaccinated:

• Watch your child for the next 10 days to 3 weeks to see if a rash develops.
• If your child should develop a rash, do not send your child to school. Contact your child’s health care provider so he/she can diagnose the illness and give you instructions for care.
• A child with chickenpox can return to school 6 days after the rash began or when all the sores are dry and crusted over and clearance from the child’s physician stating that they are no longer contagious.
• Susceptible household members or other close contacts who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system should inform their health care provider that they have been exposed to chickenpox.
• Babies born to mothers who develop chickenpox while pregnant may develop serious complications.

Please contact your primary health care provider or school nurse with any questions or concerns regarding Varicella