The Scottish Government

• mumps

• whooping cough

• impetigo

• measles

• chickenpox

• verrucae

• rubella

• meningitis

• conjunctivitis

D1

A non infectious inflammation of the skin. The commonest cause is a general over sensitivity (atopy)

D2

Inflammation of the transport membrane covering the white of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids.

D3

Caused by a virus called Varicella Zoster. Complications of the disease are rare. It affects mostly children under five and is a very common but usually mild childhood disease. One attack gives protection for life.

D4

A normally mild viral illness which can have serious complications. A single attack normally provides lifelong immunity.

D5

Caused by a virus which is very infectious. The disease itself is not usually serious, but a child with this typically feels very unwell.

D6

A bacterial infection of the skin which is highly contagious and spread by direct contact between one individual and another. Although not usually a serious condition, it can be uncomfortable and distressing and spread rapidly to other children. The bacteria that cause this condition are able to enter and infect skin when it is broken by a cut, insect bite or a skin condition,

D7

Caused by a bacterium called Bordetella Pertussis, which infects the lungs.

D8

Caused by a virus which enters the skin through a cut or abrasion. The virus seems to act by stimulating a thickening of the skin.

D9

A mild infection caused by a virus. It affects mainly children and sometimes adults where it can be more severe. Complications are very rare.

D10

A rare illness caused by inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. It is always regarded as a serious threat to health. It can be caused by a variety of individual viruses and bacteria. The mildest form is virus infection. Bacterial infection can be fatal if not treated early.

S1.

Pain around the ear or while chewing/swallowing. Swelling under the jaw an inflammation of the salivary glands - usually spreads from one side of the face to the other. Older children may get a mild fever, headache and stiff neck.

S2.

A mild, short-lived fever, non-itchy rash and swollen neck glands and base of skull. Joint pain in some children. Sometimes the eyes may appear inflamed and red and children have a runny nose. The rash appears on the face and spreads downwards to the neck and limbs.

S3.

Eyes become red and itchy and they may sting, burn or feel gritty. Vision can be slightly blurred. There is a thin, watery discharge which can be clear or yellow. Often develops during a cold or throat infection.

S4.

Sudden onset of fever, rapid breathing, vomiting, severe headache and high temperature although hands and feet may be cold. Dislike of bright light, stiff neck and drowsiness or confusion. A bruising-like rash of tiny red spots turning into purple marks may be visible. These symptoms may not show at the same time. The characteristic rash is a feature in about 75% of cases. Symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or a bad cold. Irrespective of the details, you would know this child was very ill and that prompt action was needed.

S5.

Can affect any part of the body, but is usually seen on the face, particularly around the nostrils, mouth and ears. Skin is red, with thin-walled blisters, containing yellow or honey-coloured fluid. The blisters burst, leaving raw, moist sores that gradually enlarge. Straw coloured crusts form as the surface of the sores dries.

S6.

In healthy children the disease is usually mild and considered as a mere inconvenience. After infection there can be mild fever and after a few days a rash of itchy red spots appear which become thin, clear blisters. These spread from the chest and back to all over the body and then become scabs or crusts which fall off within 10 days. The rash comes in crops so spots of different ages are seen side by side. This disease occurs mainly in late autumn and winter.

S7.

Causes redness, dry skin, swelling and sometimes blisters which can weep fluid. Intense itching causes rubbing and scratching and, if severe, may also cause psychological distress. This condition typically affects skin on elbows and wrists and behind the knees. It can however affect all parts of the body. Strongly linked with asthma and hay fever.

S8.

Symptoms include a high temperature, runny nose, red eyes and dry cough. White spots appear inside the mouth. A blotchy red spotty rash appears, first on the face and behind the ears, and then spreads down to cover the whole body. As the rash fades, a brownish discolouration of the skin occurs. Cough may be the last symptom to disappear.

S9.

One or more small speckled lesions found mainly on the soles of the feet or on and around the toes. Sometimes described as having a "pepper pot" appearance. They are dark brown in colour with a rough crumbly surface, sometimes covered by a layer of hard skin.

S10.

Mild fever, loss of appetite and a dry cough. The cough becomes more severe and may produce the characteristic "whoop". Vomiting may follow the cough.

a) None

b) None Transmission is probably uncommon in schools.

c) None. The virus is contagious. Affected children may go swimming but foot/feet should be covered.

d) Until lesions are crusted or healed. If lesions can reliably be kept covered, exclusion may be shortened. It is usually recommended that children stay off school until treatment is finished. It is advisable to avoid swimming until the skin has healed.

e) Five days from commencing antibiotic treatment. Non-infectious coughing may continue for several weeks.

f) For five days from onset of rash. The child is infectious until spots have crusted.

g) For five days from onset of rash. The child is most infectious before the diagnosis is made and most children should be immune due to immunisation so that exclusion after the rash appears will prevent very few cases.

h) Five days from onset of rash. This is now a rare condition in the UK.

i) Generally, there is no reason to exclude siblings and other close contacts of a case. By the time children are well enough to return to school, they should not be infectious.

j) For five days from onset of swollen glands.

Fact

or Fib?

Statement

1. Chickenpox is highly infectious.

2. The onset and progression of rubella is very rapid.

3. A child with verrucae should be excluded from any physical activity or swimming.

4. Children with impetigo should be excluded from school until the infection has cleared.

5. As infectious diseases can easily spread, the use of towels brought from home is acceptable.

6. Children are more susceptible to infectious diseases than adults because their immune systems are smaller.

7. There is no legal duty which requires teachers to administer medication; this is a voluntary role. However, teachers are expected to take the same action in an emergency situation as a parent would take.

8. Any incident where there has been a potential infection of an adult or child from a known source of infection, should be reported immediately to the Department of Public Health Medicine.

9. Treatment of children with whooping cough does not affect the duration of the illness, and non-infectious coughing may continue for several weeks.

10. About 35% of children suffer from illnesses which may affect their academic progress, as well as the relationships they have with their peers and teachers.

11. There is no specific treatment for mumps.

ACTIVITY 1:

What could it be?

Eczema D1, S7

Measles D5, S8

Conjuctivitis D2, S3

Impetigo D6, S5

Chickenpox D3, S6

Rubella D9, S2

Meningitis D10, S4

Whooping cough D7, S10

Mumps D4, S1

Verrucae D8, S9

ACTIVITY 2:

Can I go back to school?

1. Chickenpox f)

6. Mumps j)

2. Impetigo d)

7. Verrucae c)

3. Rubella g)

8. Whooping cough e)

4. Conjuctivitis b)

9. Measles h)

5. Eczema a)

10. Meningitis i)

1.

Fact

Chickenpox is transmitted by direct contact with ill children from coughing or by airborne transmission.

2.

Fact.

3.

Fib

No exclusion from any activity is needed, though the verrucae may cause the child pain. Infected children should wear verrucae socks for swimming and all barefoot activities.

4.

Fib

Nursery and infant children with impetigo should be excluded from school until the crusting has resolved. The diagnosis and need for exclusion should always be confirmed with a member of the school health team of the GP. Older children may return after treatment has started.

5.

Fact

In premises where people gather together it is imperative that the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene are observed. The use of towels brought from home is acceptable provided that individual towels are hung separately on pegs adequately spaced and clean replacements are provided weekly by parents.

6.

Fib

Their immune systems have not yet built up resistance.

7.

Fact

Teachers who provide support for pupils with medical needs, or who volunteer to administer medication, should seek support from the headteacher and parents. They should have access to information and training and reassurance about their legal liability.

Teachers' conditions of employment do not normally include giving medication or supervising a pupil taking it, although staff may volunteer to do this and many are happy to do so.

8.

Fact.

9.

Fact.

10.

Fib -

15%.

11.

Fact -

Symptoms may be relieved by the application of intermittent ice, warm salt water gargling, soft foods and extra fluids.