Parents Warned of Chickenpox in Cranston Schools

At least one child in Cranston has come down with chickenpox and the state Department of Health is warning families of children at Garden City Elementary School in Cranston of potential risks.

The highly contagious disease is easily prevented through vaccination, but an increasing number of parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children for various reasons.

The health department said in a release that chickenpox reports are common this time of year, especially among younger children who haven't reached full immunity and completed both of the two vaccinations required.

Parents of young children should arrange for their children to see a doctor to get up-to-date on shots, the health department said. Children typically get their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age. A booster dose is recommended before kindergarten.

The disease spreads through the air by sneezing, coughing or contact with fluid from blisters. Early symptoms include aches, fever and sore throat. What follows next are the classic signs of chickenpox: very itchy blisters that form all over the body.

Any child with any of these symptoms is urged to stay home from school, day care and other activities.

Families of potentially-exposed children who attend Totally Kids Child Care, Oakland Beach Elementary School, and Drum Rock Elementary School in Warwick, as well as Garden City Elementary School in Cranston, McGuire Elementary School in North Providence, and YWCA Northern RI in Woonsocket were notified about potential risks. HEALTH is working with the schools and day care centers to ensure that children and staff identified as close contacts receive age-appropriate vaccinations, as needed.

For more information, visit: http://www.health.ri.gov/diseases/varicella/