Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the chickenpox virus that remains in the nerve roots of all persons who had chickenpox and can come out in your body again years later to cause illness. Shingles itself is not contagious but those persons who have not had chickenpox or been vaccinated can develop chickenpox if skin to skin contact with open blisters occurs. Exclusion from school is not required. If blisters occur the person is required to keep those areas covered.

Symptoms include, but are not limited to: high fever, severe itching, an uncomfortable rash, dehydration and/or headache. The incubation period is 2-3 weeks. If symptoms occur notify your physician and inform them of possible exposure to a person diagnosed with shingles.

Further information can be found at the following site:

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/shingles/faqs-disease-shingles.htm

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Moody, School Nurse at 846-9051, ext 402 or amoody@nya.org.

Thank you!