Information Book 

INFECTIOUS DISEASES – EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL

Below are some of the more common diseases and those where exclusion has changed.

Streptococcal Infection (including Scarlet Fever)
Exclude until at least 7 days after symptoms have subsided or until a medial certificate of recovery is produced.  Students who come into contact with the disease are not to be excluded.

Acute Conjunctivitis
Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased.

Parvovirus B19 (slapped cheek syndrome)
It is recommended that medical attention is sought but it is not infectious once the rash appears.

Pediculosis (Head Lice)
It is recommended that student’s hair be treated with an appropriate solution purchased from the chemist.  Remove all nits (eggs) from hair.  Return to school once treatment has commenced.

Disease
Usual Time of Absence from School

Chicken Pox

14 – 21 days

Until fully recovered or for at least 7 days after first spots disappear.

Infectious Hepatitis
(viral Type A)

15 – 50 days

Until the student has recovered (average 28 days) and for one week from the first signs of jaundice.

Measles

7 – 14 days
(average 10 days)

5 days from appearance of rash.

Mumps

12 – 28 days
(average 18 days)

Until the student has fully recovered and 10 days after the appearance of swelling.

Rubella
(German Measles)

14 – 21 days
(average 18 days)

Until fully recovered and for at least 5 days after the rash appears.

Whooping Cough

7 – 14 days
(average 7 days)

If the student has not received an antibiotic treatment then the student should be kept away from school for 3 weeks from the onset of the “whoop”.

Impetigo
(Scabies)

Variable
(4 – 10 days)

The family doctor should be consulted. If the sores are treated and are properly covered by a clean dressing, students are allowed to attend school. If they are not covered and are on exposed parts of the body such as scalp, hands or legs, the child should be kept at home until the sores have healed.

Ringworm

10 – 14 days

Until appropriate treatment is begun. School may ask for a medical certificate.

Scabies

Several days – sometimes even weeks

Until appropriate treatment is begun. School may ask for a medical certificate.