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School System Keeping Parents and Community Up to Date
ZEBULON - A child from the Pike County Primary School has been hospitalized and is being treated at an Atlanta area hospital according to parental notifications issued by the Pike County School System on social media. District 4 health officials have advised that this student's illness is not a safety concern for students at the school. Two press releases went out on social media this afternoon to keep parents and the community up to date on this situation.
The Pike County School System advised that it was informed of the student's treatment on October 4, 2015. "In light of the circumstances surrounding the recent illness and death of a Pike County student, the Superintendent notified The Department of Public Health District 4. District 4 health officials consulted with hospital officials and determined the student’s illness did not pose a safety concern for the students at the school."
The School District advised that it has received an update from Public Health District 4 that no connection exists between the student who is currently in the hospital and another student who recently passed away from a rare illness.
According to the press release, Public Health has confirmed a viral infection which may cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. It could manifest itself as the common cold or the 'stomach bug'. The Pike County School District remains in contact with public health officials. Should circumstances change the School District will enact all recommendations immediately and notify parents."
The School District advised that it is continuing with its "disinfecting protocols" and asked parents to talk with their children about the importance of handwishing as a preventative measure. Parents were also asked to keep children who run a fever, vomit or have diarrhea at home until after the symptoms subside.
Parents were advised in a September 16, 2015 notification that children must remain out of school until they are fever free without vomiting for 24 hours without medication. They were also advised that the fever threshold for children at school is 100 degrees. The school system has seen an increase in the number of students missing school due to illness as the school year has recently begun. Both notifications stressed the importance of hand washing as "the most effective preventive measure."
Update 10.7.15:
Pike County Times.com followed up with Hayla Folden, Public Information Officer for District 4 Health, about the situation in our school system.
She said, "It is important for the public to know that this time of year people of all ages are going to get sick and it won¹t always be related. One person could have the flu while someone else has a different virus showing similar symptoms. I know this is very scary for the community and the lack of information makes it more so."
The School District has advised that it is keeping in contact with public health officials and will notify parents immediately if the circumstances should change from yesterday's notification to parents.
[Note from the Editor: Pike County Times has attempted to research cases involving amoeba in our state (and other states too) but have been unable to find information on this. Unless I am reading this list incorrectly, it does not look like amoebic infections must be reported in Georgia. Click here to read the list.]