Communicable Disease Resource

for

Educators, Parents and Caregivers

Anglophone South School District

September 2017

Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………….. 3

New Brunswick Public Health and Education Acts… 3

School Exclusion……………………………………….. 3

Provincial Communicable Disease and Infection Fact Sheets……………………………………………………. 4

Handwashing Coughing and Sneezing……………….4

Childhood and School Immunization Program in New Brunswick…………………………………………………4

7. Influenza Reporting……………………………………..5

8. Public Health Contact Information…………………….5

Appendices

Appendix A- Seasonal Influenza letter to school and Reporting form…………………………………………...6,7

Appendix B- Community Acquired MRSA.......………..8

Introduction

This document contains links to Communicable Disease fact sheets and New Brunswick Guidelines on the prevention and control of communicable diseases and infestations. It is intended for school administrators, teachers, and parents.

Please note that this document should not replace timely medical consultation and Public Health reporting – such actions may be required to appropriately assess and manage the situation as well as meet legislative requirements.

New Brunswick Public Health and Education Acts

The responsibilities for reporting of communicable diseases can be found in the NB Public Health Act Regulation 2009-136 and the NB Education Act for school administrators:

http://laws.gnb.ca/en/showdoc/cr/2009-136

http://laws.gnb.ca/en/showfulldoc/cs/E-1.12/#anchorga:s_32- section 20 (1) and (2)

3. School Exclusion

It is the responsibility of the Principal or designate to exclude students from school when information suggests this is necessary for control of further disease transmission. Please refer to the general “School Exclusion Guidelines”, as well as consultation with the Public Health Communicable Disease team as needed. Additional measures may also be required to prevent or control communicable diseases, at the discretion of the school principal and in consultation with Public Health. For example, increased cleaning procedures or limiting school gatherings and events.

Provincial Communicable Disease and Infestation Fact Sheets

These are helpful information sheets on signs and symptoms of common communicable diseases and infestations.

Fact Sheets

Insects and Mites

**If your child has an undiagnosed rash or skin condition they should be evaluated by their health care provider before returning to school.

5. Hand washing, Coughing and Sneezing

Hands spread an estimated 80 percent of common infectious diseases like the common cold and flu. For example, when you touch a doorknob that has the Influenza virus on it and then touch your mouth, you may become ill. Disease-causing germs are easily removed with good hand washing technique.

6. Routine Immunization Schedule in New Brunswick

New Brunswick Routine Immunization Schedule

Proof Of Immunization as per Policy 706 or the Immunization exemption form for school entry

For Frequently asked Questions please visit the Healthy Learners in School tab on the ASD website

7. Influenza Reporting

As Influenza season approaches, Public Health is required to conduct seasonal influenza surveillance in schools in New Brunswick. In the fall, regional Medical Officers of Health send a letter to school principals regarding the reporting of Influenza like illness (ILI). Timely reporting assists Public Health with early detection of potential outbreaks. When such events are identified early, it allows for prompt initiation of control measures aimed at limiting the spread of infection.

See Appendix A

8. Public Health Contact Information

The Communicable Disease Telephone Line for Saint John Area (Sussex to St. Stephen) is 506-658-5188 Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm

For more information on Reportable Diseases in N.B. please see the Notifiable Diseases and Reportable Events Poster

Appendix A

Public Health Saint John Area

INFLUENZA SCHOOL SURVEILLANCE

DAILY ABSENTEEISM REPORT

Anglophone School District South: Please complete and fax this form DAILY to the Saint John Public Health Office whenever your school meets the reporting criteria below:

The daily absenteeism rate is greater than 10%, and is most likely due to influenza symptoms (see definition below)

Influenza symptoms: Fever and cough with one or more of the following symptoms: sore throat, achy joints or achy muscles

Date (mm/dd/yyyy): ____________________________ Name of school: _________________________ Name of the person reporting: __________________________ Telephone number: _____________________

Total number of students absent today ______ Total estimated number of students absent today likely due to children experiencing influenza symptoms? ______ Total number of students attending your school : ______ COMMENTS: Please identify other known causes of absenteeism (e.g.) class trips, non-influenza illness (e.g. gastrointestinal) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FAX: 506 658-3067 Phone: (506) 658-5188

September, 2017

Attention: School Principals

RE: Monitoring Influenza-like Illness in Schools

The influenza season is here again and as Medical Officer of Health for South Region.
I am writing to request your assistance in the surveillance of influenza-like illness in our community. Please review the attached form where the 2017-2018 reporting criteria are explained. To submit your report, please use the attached form and forward to our Communicable Disease department as per instructions provided.

Influenza symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat and muscles aches. In addition to vaccination, regular hand washing and proper respiratory etiquette remain simple and effective prevention measures.

If you have any questions please call 658-5188.

Sincerely,

Isaac Sobol, MD, CCFP, MHSc

Medical Officer of Health

South Region

Appendix B