CDC Provides Monkeypox Guidance to Schools and Day Care Centers

A rash is one of the most common symptoms of monkeypox. Fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches may also occur.

Children have the same symptoms as adults, but Other conditions Chickenpox, measles, allergic skin reactions, and drug-related reactions can cause rashes in children.

So, “If your child gets a rash, don’t panic,” Castell said. “It could be something else.”

Most cases of monkeypox in children and adolescents get better without treatment. According to the CDC.

Some children, including those under the age of 8, those with immunocompromised conditions, or those with certain skin conditions such as eczema, severe acne, or burns, are at increased risk of serious illness.

CDC data indicate that the majority of monkeypox cases are associated with sexual contact or close intimate contact during the current outbreak in the United States.

But the monkeypox virus can infect anyone, including children who have close, personal, and often skin-to-skin contact with a monkeypox patient, CDC Said.

Nonetheless, Blumberg said children are unlikely to have this type of contact in a school setting.

“Children may ride horses with each other, but few children have prolonged skin-to-skin contact with other students or school staff during normal school activities,” he said. I got

Some exceptions would be activities such as wrestling and similar sports.

“But I think coaches and other school staff are familiar with keeping kids with rashes out of such activities,” he said.

The monkeypox virus can also be spread by touching contaminated objects, fabrics, and surfaces used by monkeypox patients, but CDC guidance says this route of transmission is less common in the current outbreak. says.

Additionally, the CDC says children, staff, and volunteers generally don’t need to be excluded from schools, daycares, or other settings if they have been infected with monkeypox and have no symptoms.

“I can’t stress this enough,” Castell said.

CDC Guidance for Schools and Daycare Centers ordinary personsays people exposed to the monkeypox virus can continue with their daily lives as long as they don’t have Signs or symptoms of monkeypox.

In its guidance, the CDC said that in some cases involving high-risk exposures, local health departments may limit participation in certain activities.

Additionally, boarding schools, overnight camps, and other residential settings should follow institutional guidance. summarize the living environment.

Blumberg said schools and day care centers have “strong measures” to deal with staff and children who may be ill or contagious, including those with rashes or fevers that may indicate a contagious infection. “We already have the experience and the policy,” he said.

Additionally, parents should monitor their children for symptoms before sending them to school or daycare.

“If your child is sick, they should stay home,” Castell said. “Parents should contact their pediatrician or health care provider if they develop a rash, which is common in children, as it may be accompanied by a fever.”

It can also help clinicians identify the cause of a child’s rash, says Blumberg.

“If you have a parent or school staff member who is concerned about a possible monkeypox rash, make sure they are evaluated,” he said.

Overall, Castel believes the CDC’s guidance is “pretty comprehensive.” But she also wants to see information presented in a way that accounts for distinct risks for different age groups.

“What parents do with young children from a prevention standpoint—helping them learn things like how to wash their hands regularly—is different from young children. [talking to] Adolescents or college students who may be involved in some kind of close intimate relationship,” she said.

Additionally, she encourages parents to keep monkeypox in sight for the fall.

“Monkeypox Risk [for children and adolescents] “It’s very low right now,” she said.

“This will help children stay healthy and ready for this new school year,” she said.