PARENT ALERT
Contagious disease exposure in room/location ________________________on _________.
PINK EYE (CONJUNCTIVITIS)
WHAT IS IT? A syndrome beginning with tearing and irritation followed by discharge from one or both eyes. Can be caused by virus or bacteria.
WHERE DID IT COME FROM? Usually from another infected person.
WHEN CAN YOU CATCH IT? During the entire time that symptoms are present.
HOW CAN YOU CATCH IT? Children under five (5) years of age are most susceptible and catch it by directly touching the contagious discharge, or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by respiratory tract, secretions (eye discharge or nasal mucus), and thru the air by coughing and sneezing (CDC,2019).
HOW LONG BEFORE THE SYMPTOMS APPEAR? Usually 24 to 72 hours after contact.
WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS? Usually none, perhaps recurrence of symptoms.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
- See a health professional.
- Notify the childcare to alert other parents.
- Wash towels and pillowcases daily with hot water and bleach.
- Wash hands after caring for the child.
WHAT WILL THE STAFF DO?
- Post this notice.
- Meticulous handwashing.
- Wash everything used by the child with a germicidal solution.
- Exclude children with pink eye who are symptomatic, with fever, behavior change, or inability to participate in day care activities.
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR THE ILL CHILD? Apply medication as directed.
WHEN CAN THE CHILD RETURN TO CLASS? When SYMPTOMS RESOLVE, able to participate in day care activities and meeting childcare admission criteria such as medical clearance from a medical provider. If you have any questions, please contact your childcare provider and healthcare provider.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html (English) https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index-sp.html (Spanish)