Download Infectious Diseases Policy

POLICY ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Rationale:
Students and staff have the right to study and work in a safe, healthy environment without
discrimination in line with our General Goals, Health and Safety Policy and Equal
Employment Opportunity Statement.
1
Infectious diseases can spread easily among students and teachers in a school setting.
In some cases students and teachers may be asked to stay away to prevent spreading
of the disease.
2
There shall be no discrimination against infected students in terms of enrolment or
staff in terms of employment. People with HIV/AIDS or infectious diseases are
entitled to the same rights and considerations as any other person with a health
problem.
3
Some infectious illnesses are also notifiable diseases under the Health Act 1956.
Students or teachers with an infectious disease must be excluded as described below.
New diseases will be added to the list upon notification from either the Ministry of
Education or the Ministry of Health
Disease/Infection
Campylobacter
Chicken Pox
Conjunctivitis
(Viral
Bacterial)
Cryptosporidium Giardia
Gastroenteritis (Viral)
Glandular Fever
Hand Foot & Mouth Disease
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Impetigo (School Sores)
Influenza
HIV/AIDS
Measles
Meningococcal Meningitis
Mumps
Ringworm
Rubella
Salmonella
Scabies
Shingles
Streptococcal Sore Throat
Slapped Cheek
Tuberculosis
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Exclusion from School
Until well with no further diarrhoea
For one week from date of appearance of rash
or While there is a discharge from the eyes
Until well with no further diarrhoea
Until well, with no further vomiting or diarrhoea
Until well enough to return
While the child is feeling unwell. Unnecessary if child is well.
Until 7 days after jaundice appears
Until well or as advised by GP
Until 24 hours after treatment has started or as advised by your
GP or Public Health Nurse
Restrict contact activities until well
Principal, Board, Guidance Counsellor to be advised
At least 4 days from onset of rash
Until well enough to return
Until 9 days after swelling develops, or until child is well,
whichever is sooner
Restrict contact activities eg gym and swimming until lesions
clear
7 days from appearance of rash
Until well with no further diarrhoea
24 hours after treatment is started
Not necessary unless on exposed areas eg face, or until lesions dry
and crusted
Until 24 hours after treatment is started
Unnecessary unless child is unwell
Must – others may be tested
21 days from onset of coughing, or after 5 days of antibiotics
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4
Strict confidentiality of a student's or employee's medical information will be
maintained and will not be disclosed to others without their permission. The identity
of students with blood-borne viruses is to be disclosed to only the Principal, Board
Chair, and Guidance Counsellor. It is not necessary to disclose the specific type of
virus.
5
DP in charge of sickness at work is responsible for making sure staff and students go
home as soon as possible and isolating them if needed. Dissemination of information
about diseases is the best way of overcoming unwarranted fears and misconceptions.
Appropriate information, education programmes and counselling services shall
therefore be available to students, parents and staff.
4
In dealing with any injury, all people should be treated as if they have a bloodborne virus.
(a)
A set of procedures shall be made available to all staff outlining standard
hygiene procedures to be followed in all situations requiring first aid.
(Appendix A attached) Ongoing education will be offered on hygiene and
precautions and standard procedures for contagious diseases.
(b)
The appropriate equipment needed in order to give effect to these procedures
will be available.
To be read in conjunction with:


Basic Hygiene Procedures for First Aid Situations (Appendix A)
Pandemic Planning Guidelines
I Palmer
Reviewed August 2010
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