Communicable Diseases
Communicable Diseases- Information
To help maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, the local health department recommends that students with an oral temperature of 100 degrees or higher be excluded until fever-free for twenty-four hours, without fever-controlling medication. See the link below for our MCSS Policy on Communicable Diseases in the school setting.
Madison County BOE Policy on Communicable Diseases
MCSS follows the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Communicable Disease Chart guidelines and recommendations for school exclusions and readmission criteria.
Communicable Disease Chart
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can cause serious health complications and even death. Measles can affect anyone but is most dangerous for children younger than 5 years old. The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. Click the link for more information from the CDC about Measles.
CDC Measles: Parent Information
Influenza
Influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu is different from a cold and usually comes on suddenly. Each year flu viruses cause millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospital stays, and thousands or tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.
See the link below for more information and recommendations from the CDC on Influenza
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Many different things can cause meningitis. An accurate diagnosis is important though because treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial meningitis (also known as Meningococcal Meningitis) is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. Meningococcal disease is typically spread with close or lengthy contact with an infected person. An early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are incredibly important. Vaccines offer the best protection against meningococcal disease.
AL Dept of Public Health- Meningococcal Disease
The Jessica Elkins Act (2014-274) provides awareness and vaccine information regarding meningococcal meningitis disease and its vaccine to parents and guardians of students.
For more information on Meningitis and the signs & symptoms, see the link below.
Jessica Elkins Act (SB0075, Act #2014-274)
For more information (including signs & symptoms to watch for), click the link below to the Alabama Department of Public Health Meningococcal Disease Flyer.