1. Policy #4230 Craven County Schools
Communicable Disease
Policy #4230
Craven County Schools

2. Definition
A communicable disease is defined as an illness due to an infectious agent or its toxic products that is transmitted directly or indirectly from an infected person or animal.

3. Precautions
Employees must follow Universal Precautions, treating all blood and body fluids as infected. See the CCS Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan in your school’s health room or your school nurse for more information.

4. Reporting and Notice Requirements
Principals will report to the health director suspected cases of communicable diseases in students and employees.
Without releasing identifying information, the principal shall also notify the superintendent.
Parents/guardians will be notified when their child has potentially been exposed to a communicable disease through the exchange of blood with another individual.
Parents/guardians will be encouraged to contact their physician or the county health department for consultation.

5. Reporting and Notice Requirements Continued
The Craven County Health Director is responsible for determining which school personnel will be informed of the identity of a student with AIDS or HIV infection or other communicable diseases required to be reported.

6. Confidentiality
Any employee informed of a student’s disease/condition or who becomes aware must maintain confidentiality and may not share that information unless specifically permitted to do so by the health director, parent/legal guardian.

7. Non-Reportable Diseases/Conditions
Chickenpox: exclude for 5 days after rash appears or until all blisters have scabs
Conjunctivitis (pink eye): refer to school nurse for evaluation
Impetigo: exclude if more than 3 or 4 sores until treated x24 hours and lesions covered
Ringworm: scalp-will be referred to health care provider; skin-cover while in school, refer to the school nurse
Lice: exclusion will be the decision of the school nurse

8. For More Information
See the Craven County Schools online policy manual, Policy # 4230.
You may also consult with your school nurse.