When an outbreak of a communicable disease (such as pertussis, hepatitis A, etc.) occurs among staff or students in the school district, the school nurse consults with the Okanogan County Public Health to identify the exact extent of the illness, inform parents of the potential for illness, and assist in the prevention of further spread of the illness. Okanogan County Public Health takes the lead in any situation which might impact the health of the community.

Some guidelines on when to keep your student home:

• Fever—a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea—watery or loose stools.

• Coughing—or having any sort of breathing trouble. Coughing spreads infection.

• Rash—check with your doctor to determine whether the rash is contagious before sending your child to school.

• Lethargic—a child who is difficult to wake, needs to see a doctor.

24 Hour Rule

• Fever: Keep your child home until their FEVER has been gone for 24 hours WITHOUT fever-reducing medications.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Keep your child home for 24 hours after the LAST time they have vomited or had diarrhea and are eating a normal diet.

• Antibiotics: Keep your child home at least 24 hours after the FIRST dose of antibiotic.

Cleaning hands through proper hand washing is one of the most important things we can do to keep ourselves and others healthy! Encourage everyone to wash hands after using the restroom, before eating and drinking or preparing food. Hand sanitizer is great too but should not replace regular washing with soap and water.   

Hand Washing Techniques

Infectious Disease Control Guide for School Staff (pdf)