Symptoms

Fluid-filled blisters, rapidly covered with honey-colored crusts, often occurring on the nose, arms, legs or around the mouth. (Maybe confused with cold sores).

Incubation Period

1-10 days

Mode of Transmission & Communicability

The bacteria is spread by touching the fluid from the sores of infected persons or rarely, by touching objects freshly soiled with discharges from their noses, throats, or lesions. Communicable until all lesions have healed or the person has been treated with an antibiotic for at least a full 24 hours.

School Action

1. Refer for medical diagnosis and treatment.

2. Exclude from school until the child has been treated with an antibiotic for at least a full 24 hours.

3. Cover sores as a barrier to prevent spread until the sores have healed completely.