Infectious Disease Guide from the AZ Dept. of Health Services.
Arizona Department of Education
Arizona Department of Health Services
In light of the current situation regarding Enterovirus-D68 and Ebola in the United States, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) have compiled key points and resources to best guide and prepare your school community.
Enterovirus (EV) D68 & Influenza (Flu)
This time of year it is normal to see an increase in individuals with respiratory and flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of respiratory viruses may be mild and include runny nose, sneezing and coughing, or may be more severe such as fever, sore throat, body or muscle aches and difficulty breathing.
Infants, children and teenagers are at higher risk than adults for becoming infected and sick with EV-D68 and children with asthma are particularly at risk for severe symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Respiratory viruses, including EV-D68 and influenza can be similarly prevented. If a student at school is exhibiting symptoms, such as fever or wheezing, they should be evaluated by the school nurse and their parents contacted. This will help decrease the risk of spreading any illnesses to other classmates.
Basic prevention measures to avoid getting and spreading illness and keep school environments healthy include:
- Washing hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Discourage children from having close contact, such as hugging, with classmates who are sick.
- Discourage children from sharing personal items such as beverages, food or unwashed utensils.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in classrooms, school buses and common school areas. A bleach-based household cleaner is recommended. A list of commercial products for norovirus that also kill enteroviruses can be found at www.epa.gov/oppad001/chemregindex.htm
- Encourage parents to keep children home if they are sick.
- Encourage parents to keep children up to date on their vaccinations, including a seasonal flu shot.
- Encourage school staff to get a seasonal flu shot.
Ebola
The risk of Ebola in schools is extremely low, but ADHS has recently updated its Ebola preparedness website to include information for schools - http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oids/ebola/. The situation is ever-evolving so frequent updates are expected.
Local County Health Department Contacts
The health and safety of our school systems is important. ADHS and your local public health departments are monitoring these public health concerns closely. Please contact your local county health department if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Below is a list of your local county health departments and their contact information.
Apache County (928) 337-4364
Cochise County (520) 432-9400
Coconino County (928) 679-7272
Gila County (928) 402-8811
Graham County (928) 428-1962
Greenlee County (928) 865-2601
La Paz County (928) 669-1100
Maricopa County (602) 506-6767
Mohave County (928) 753-0714
Navajo County (928) 524-4750
Pima County (520) 243-7770
Pinal County (520) 866-7325
Santa Cruz County (520) 375-7900
Yavapai County (928) 771-3134
Yuma County (928) 317-4550
