Here is an Infectious Disease Update for Educators. Infectious diseases are a big concern for schools. Two of the most common infectious diseases include measles and whooping cough. Teachers and administrators must be kept up to date with an infectious disease update for educators.

Measles Update

The Arizona Department of Health Services has confirmed occurrences of measles in some counties . Measles is a reportable infectious disease. This means that cases of measles must be reported within 24 hours of diagnosis. Health care providers must report suspected measles cases to the local health department. The laboratories must provide positive specimens to the Arizona Public Health Laboratory within a 24 hour period of a positive result.

School Infectious Disease Reporting

Schools and childcare facilities must report infectious diseases once they are made aware of them. There are time requirements on when the report must be made, based on the type of disease. The following is an abbreviated list of infectious diseases that must be reported. It is advisable to review the precise reporting rules through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) website.

  • Acute Conjunctivitis (outbreaks)
  • E-coli
  • Measles
  • Hepatitis A
  • Mumps
  • Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
  • Rubella
  • Salmonella
  • Smallpox
  • Chickenpox

Please note that any serious disease or outbreak should be reported and acted upon. Check with ADHS to ensure reporting adherence.

Keeping Schools Safe

School administrators must act quickly upon the report of a confirmed case of any infectious disease. The school needs to follow cleaning protocol to stop the spread of disease in the classrooms. Some diseases are more contagious than others, with the ability to spread germs for a longer period of time than others. For this reason, it is imperative that you check with the specific sterilization procedures recommended for the type of infectious disease that is reported. In some cases, the entire facility will need to be closed in order to conduct thorough cleaning of all common areas.

Stay Current

Teachers and school administrators need to stay current regarding any reported infectious disease outbreaks in the area. Understand the symptoms and signs of infectious diseases and take necessary precautions in the classroom. Utilize sanitizing products when necessary, and if a child exhibits any symptoms, he or she should be sent to the nurse for an immediate preliminary examination. Consult with an experienced education law attorney to review any actions that should be taken to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

 

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding Infectious Disease Update for Educators, or other Education Law matters, please feel free to contact Erin H. Walz at 480.461.5379, log on to www.udallshumway.com or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.