IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
UPDATE
We have had the additional
assurance so far that EV71 was not present in Shanghai, but
this weekend this changed as a case was identified. It is,
in fact, unrealistic to believe that this would not happen
as there was so much people movement in China during the
past national holidays and this incubation period is
exposing this in the form of fever, blisters and sores which
will emerge in increasing numbers.
Dear
Parents/Guardians:
The administration of Livingston American School would like
you to know that we are aware of the recent news regarding
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). We have also
held discussions on this topic with other member schools of
the Shanghai International Schools Association and the
Shanghai Education Commission. These discussions are being
held in light of other kinds of challenging health
conditions that we have experienced in Shanghai in past
years such as SARS and Avian Influenza. We are receiving
first hand updates from the government, exchanging
information with the American consulate and embassy, and
reviewing information from the Center for Disease Control,
World health Organization, Centre for Health Protection and
the Ministry of Health. This gives us one of the most
sophisticated sources of information in the world that we
all share equally with the education community in Shanghai
to help deal with health emergencies, provide enhanced
disinfecting procedures and share information with parents
and the international community. A government
representative recently described the Shanghai government¨s
measures taken and expectations of all schools in Shanghai,
which LAS is adhering too diligently. The government
expectations of international schools include:
1.
extra disinfecting of premises
2.
frequent washing of hands
3.
telephoning parents of any child in Kindergarten or
younger who is absent from school on each day of absence to
inquire why the child is absent.
While these may sound simple or intrusive, they are very
effective in preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria
which should be the concern of all of us. For families who
are new to China this year, this kind of information and
discussion may sound frightening. While not wishing to
downplay the threat of one of the HFMD casual agents,
EV71, which is infectious and dangerous, there is
still no sign of virus EV71 in Shanghai at this time.
On the other hand, HFMD is a common childhood illness
and the government shared that there are about 1000 total
cases each year in all of Shanghai. Thus, there is a great
deal of experience with HFMD within the medical
treatment system in Shanghai, resulting in stronger
identification and prevention opportunities.
Livingston American School is cooperating
with the exchange of information about various diseases on a
regular basis to help protect our school community because
we are all one family. At times of alert, rumors can spread
as quickly as viruses and are just as dangerous. With the
protection measures in place, even in the midst of a health
threat, international schools are among the safest places
for children to be. The alternative of staying at home,
unless they are ill, is a false measure of precaution,
because children will play with the same children after
school or play on unsanitized playground equipment in
compounds unless they are kept in total isolation. With
disease, no international school is better or worse as all
have some problem to solve at one time or another.
It is important that we work together to monitor our
children¨s conditions for signs of rash, fever, or nasal
discharge before bed and in the morning before school. If
there is any sign of these symptoms, do not send the child
to school and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
With HFMD, time is very important when a fever strikes.
We fully expect HFMD to make its annual pass through
kindergarten-age children in many schools, usually up to age
5 after which there immune systems are stronger. In most
cases, there are no after effects, but it is an unpleasant
experience for child and parent. The heavy season for
HFMD is approaching from the end of May and again in
August. We want you to know we are working hard to reduce
the impact of the disease.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eddie R. Campbell, Jr., Ed. D.
Principal |