UPDATE: Monkeypox in central Pa.: Warning signs, chances of infection and what to do if you get sick
A school in the Cumberland Valley School District has announced to families that someone who was recently at one of their school buildings has tested positive for monkeypox.
On the Shaull Elementary School website, a message has posted to families of students, stating that the Cumberland Valley School District has recently been notified of the positive case, and that personal communication has already been made with “anyone believed to have been in close proximity with the individual.”
“We share this information not to cause alarm, but simply in an effort to ensure transparency in what we know,” the message reads.
The message continues to note that the school’s custodial staff will thoroughly clean and disinfect the building, and that the district is communication with the state’s Department of Health about additional steps and recommendations.
The statement does not specify whether the person who has tested positive for the disease was a student, a staff member of the school or the district, or a visitor to the building.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include a blister-like rash, fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes, among other symptoms. Unlike COVID-19, transmission is typically made through close, personal and often skin-to-skin contact.
“While the risk of transmission is low in a school setting, we wanted to inform you of this positive case,” the CVSD statement reads. “Additionally, we ask that you continue to help us by keeping your child home if they are feeling unwell. If there is ever a time in which you believe your child has monkeypox, please contact their healthcare provider and notify our school nurse.”
To read the full statement, visit the Cumberland Valley School District website.
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