Dear Parents/Guardians:
We are currently experiencing an increase in the number of children at Dayton Oaks Elementary School who have developed gastrointestinal illness with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever and abdominal cramps.
Gastrointestinal illnesses can spread quickly from one person to another through contact with an infected person and contaminated surfaces.
People can become infected by:
* Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then placing their hands in their mouth
* Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms
* Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
The Howard County Health Department recommends the best way to prevent and control an infection is by frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water. Wash hands often, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, before eating or preparing food, and after having diarrhea or vomiting. Frequent cleaning of high contact surfaces in your environment (such as door knobs/handles, light switches, countertops, etc.) with a bleach solution or bleach-based disinfectant is also very important.
Students should not return to school until they have been without any symptoms for at least 48 hours. If your child currently has any of the symptoms named above, please make sure they drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and encourage increased hand washing. If symptoms become severe, contact your physician.
If you suspect your child has a gastrointestinal illness, please make sure you keep them home from school. Also, please report any gastrointestinal illnesses to the school health room at 410 313-1575 or Rachel_Tulis@hcpss.org so that we can make sure all necessary interventions are taking place.
Lastly, the custodial team is working diligently to provide the extra cleaning recommended by the health department, in order to minimize the spread of this illness.
Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy!
Sincerely,
Rachel Tulis, RN
Cluster Nurse