Outbreak?

[Blitzen]

((All students would find this in their e-mail inbox, as well as around campus. Need an IC excuse to not be at prom? Here you go!))

To: All St. Joseph's High School students grades 7-12

From : Dr. Sylvia Orson

Date: June 25, 2009

Recently, several students have been diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis, more commonly known as "Pink Eye." This outbreak seems to have started in Ms. Beatrice Madrigal's art classes, and has quickly spread through many other departments.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a highly contageous infection of the inner eyelids and surrounding tissues of the eye. Some of these tissues overlay the white part of the eye, so when they become inflamed, the eye appears red.Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection of the inner eyelids and surrounding tissues of the eye. Some of these tissues overlay the white part of the eye, so when they become inflamed, the eye appears red.

Symptoms include:

* Watery eyes followed with yellow or green discharge
* Irritation along with an itchy feeling.
* The infection usually starts with one eye and can spread to the other


Any student experiencing these symptoms should report to Dr. Orson's office immediately to be seen by the school nurse, Susan Bosti, R.N. Teachers will be observing students in their classroom, anyone showing symptoms will also be instructed to report to Dr. Orson's office immediately.

Any student with conjunctivitis will be quarantined for 48 hours, and in compliance with school policy concerning infectious diseases will not be able to return to classes or attend any school activities until medication has been administered for 48 hours, and symptoms subside. Unfortunately, this also means the upcoming school prom. All students will be spot checked at the door, and staff has been instructed to prevent entrance by anyone showing symptoms.

We appreciate the faculty, staff and students for their diligence in keeping the spread of this illness at bay.

Sincerely,


Silvia Orson, MD