Toolamba Primary School
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Health Update

Head Lice and Nits

We have had several case of lice in our school recently. It would be a good idea to check your child's head to minimise the spread. Below is a link to some information from the Better Health Channel.

 

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/head-lice-nits 

Health Reminder

It is important that we all continue to monitor our own and the health of our children daily, during this time. If you or your child develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath:

  • Stay at home and do not attend school

  • Seek medical advice

  • Call the school to let us know of any important outcomes

  • If you or your child has a health condition or complex health needs, please discuss this with your medical specialist.

  • Information about coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the DHHS website.

Our school is continuing to promote and implement on a daily basis both Covid-safe behaviours and practices across our school community.

 

Impetigo (School Sores)

Impetigo remains active at the school. Please see the below information about exclusion periods and attendance at school requirements.

  • Impetigo is a rapidly spreading, highly contagious skin infection that frequently occurs in children’s settings.
  • Primary school and children’s services centre exclusions do apply.
  • Cases are treated with an appropriate antibiotic.
  • Impetigo may be caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in which case vancomycin, bactrim or clindamycin may be used to treat cases.

Primary school and children’s services centres exclusion for impetigo (school sores)

 

Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced. Sores on exposed surfaces must be covered with a watertight dressing.

 

Infectious agent of impetigo (school sores)

Various strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, group A streptococci (GAS) and Staphylococcus aureus cause impetigo.

 

Identification of impetigo (school sores)

Clinical features

Impetigo is a contagious, superficial skin infection seen mainly in children, but it may occur at any age. The infection may present with mildly irritating blisters that become pustular and erode rapidly, leaving a honey-coloured crust. It often appears around the nose and mouth.

 

Incubation period of impetigo organisms

The incubation period is 1–3 days for S. pyogenes and 4–10 days for S. aureus.

 

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/impetigo-school-sores