Freedom Elementary has had one medically diagnosed case of chickenpox

The Waynesville R-VI School District received notification Thursday, that Freedom Elementary has had one medically diagnosed case of chickenpox. The district has been working closely with local health officials and is following their recommendations. Students are being reminded of the importance of good hand-washing techniques and to practice good hygiene.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective at preventing the disease. Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, it is usually mild—with fewer blisters and mild or no fever. The chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe disease. The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the face, chest, and back then spread to the rest of the body, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area. It usually takes about one week for all the blisters to become scabs. A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash until all their chickenpox blisters have formed scabs (usually 5-7 days). It takes about 2 weeks (from 10 to 21 days) after exposure to a person with chickenpox shingles for someone to develop chickenpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation and guidelines state that the best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine.