Dear Parents/Carers, 

We are writing to inform you that there has been a confirmed case of chickenpox in school.

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness caused by a virus called varicella zoster. It is most common in children under the age of 10 and is contagious. The person is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the spots appear and stops being contagious when the spots have crusted over (usually 5-6 days after the spots appear). 

Chickenpox presents with a red/pink itchy, spotty rash, which can appear anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth. The spots fill with fluid and become blisters, which may burst. Before or after the rash appears, your child may have a high temperature, aches and pains and generally feel unwell. 

Groups of people that are most at risk of serious problems if they catch Chickenpox are newborn babies, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system; therefore, it is important, if your child has Chickenpox, to keep them at home while they are contagious.

If a child is suspected of having Chickenpox, parents will be contacted immediately and asked to collect their child from school. All children should remain at home until all Chickenpox spots have crusted over to avoid further spread of the illness. Should any child return to school before this time, parents will be contacted and asked to collect them and take them back home.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.co.uk or follow the link below. 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox

We appreciate your understanding on this and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.