Chickenpox case reported in school district

A chickenpox case has been reported in the Boundary County School District, district officials said Wednesday in a press release. 

District officials did not report any additional information about the case. 

Symptoms of chickenpox include headaches, fever, stomachache, sore throat and small red bumps that develop into itchy, fluid-filled blisters.  

Two doses of the Varicella vaccine are required for any individual in the school district born after September 1, 2005, unless there is an exemption. 

Children with symptoms that could indicate chickenpox should be kept at home, school district officials said. 

“Please keep them home, contact your healthcare provider and then notify the school,” the statement said. “Your doctor can help determine whether your child has chickenpox and provide guidance on care.” 

The school district said that children may return to school when all blisters have scabbed over and they have been fever-free for 24 hours. 

District Policy 3525 – Immunization Requirements can be found on BCSD’s website at https://www.bcsd101.com/departments/health-safety/immunization-forms or a copy can be requested from the main office at any school building. 

BCSD will send out more information if they receive any updates. 

Immunization requirements 

BCSD’s immunization requirements state that the district is required to provide educational services to all school age children who reside within its boundaries. Attendance at school may be denied to any child who does not provide an immunization record to the school regarding the child’s immunity to certain childhood diseases.  

Immunity requirements are met if the child has received or is in the process of receiving immunization as specified by the Board of Health and Welfare or has previously contracted the disease. The parent or legal guardian of the child must comply with the immunization requirements at the time of admission and before attendance for the child.  

Exemptions  

Any child who submits a certificate signed by a physician licensed by the State Board of Medicine stating the physical condition of the child is such that all or any of the required immunization would endanger the life or health of the child is exempt from the immunization requirements;  

Any minor child whose parent or guardian submits a signed statement to school officials stating their objections on religious or other grounds is exempt from the immunization requirements. The parent or guardian can use a form provided by the district or submit a written, signed statement that the district will attach to the form; and 

A child who has laboratory proof of immunity to any of the childhood diseases listed above will not be required to be immunized for that disease; and  

A child who has had varicella (chickenpox) diagnosed by a licensed physician upon personal examination will not be required to be immunized for the disease provided they submit a signed statement from the diagnosing physician.  

A child exempted under one of the above requirements may be excluded by the district in the event of a disease outbreak.