Dear Parents and Guardians,
Mineral County currently has multiple illnesses circulating, including Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease, Strep Throat, Pink Eye, Influenza-like illness, COVID, and gastrointestinal illness.
To protect other students, staff, and family members from contagious illnesses, students should remain at home until they meet the following criteria: Feel well enough to participate and do not need more care than is reasonable in the classroom. Are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (100.4 or higher is considered a fever). 24 hours after vomiting or having diarrhea. 24 hours after starting treatment for bacterial infections, including but not limited to pink eye or strep throat. Treatment has been started for infections such as ringworm, scabies, or impetigo. Rashes and sores have been checked by a medical provider and determined to be safe to return to school. Parents of a student with a communicable disease or signs of a contagious illness should call their medical provider and notify the school to determine whether the student should attend while symptoms are present.
When your child returns to school, remind them to wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a tissue. Here are some ideas for keeping illnesses from spreading in your home: Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible. Clean/disinfect all high-touch surfaces frequently. These include countertops, hand railing, sink handles, toilet flusher, doorknobs, remote controls, phones, etc. Cover coughs and sneezes by using a disposable tissue or covering the nose/mouth with the elbow, then wash hands. Do not share personal items such as cups, utensils, or towels. Wash commonly contaminated objects such as bed linens, towels, clothes, or toys. Avoid being in close contact with others in the home, especially people who have a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms. Improve ventilation in your home by opening windows. Call your medical provider for additional suggestions specific to your family. Thank you for reviewing this information and supporting your students.
Please contact your school nurse with any questions or concerns.