Students often have contagious illnesses that are not reportable to the Will County Health Department. The IDPH Communicable Disease School Nurse Guidance contains information for non-reportable communicable diseases.
If any of the below-listed illnesses or symptoms occur during the school day, parents(s)/guardian(s), or emergency contacts will be contacted to pick up the student. Please ensure that there is someone available to pick up the student, in the event of an illness or injury.
The Department of Public Health states that children who have the following illnesses must remain at home for a required length of time:
- Vomiting, Diarrhea, and/ or Temp 100.4 degrees and above - Students must stay at home for 24 hours after the onset of symptoms and be symptom-free (without fever-reducing medicine) for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Respiratory Illness/Continuous Excessive Cough - Students must stay at home for 24 hours after the onset of symptoms and be symptom-free (without fever-reducing medicine) for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Pink Eye - Students are excluded for symptoms related to an eye(s) that is draining, itching, and/or appears pink, red, or swollen. The student must be on an antibiotic eye drop for 24 hours before returning to school and a doctor's note is required before the student's return to school.
- Lice - Any student having head lice will be sent home for treatment. Students are not allowed to resume bus transportation or attend class until cleared by the Nurse.
Handouts with CDC information and recommendations:
- Rash, Ringworm, Skin Conditions, Wounds - Students will not be allowed to attend school with any noticeable rash or skin condition unless there is a physician's note is on file stating the student's condition is NOT contagious. Any lesion or wound that shows signs of drainage must be covered.
- Strep Throat, Scarlet Fever, Impetigo, or Fifth's Disease - Isolation is required. Students are excluded from school until fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicine) and on appropriate antibiotics for at least 12 hours.
If a student is unable to attend school due to illness, they may not participate in any after-school or extracurricular activities for twenty-four (24) hours after the onset of symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, they must be fever free for twenty-four (24) hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications), and when applicable, provide a note stating they are not contagious. Other symptoms must be improved/resolved.
No classroom communication/notification will be sent for Non-Reportable Communicable Diseases unless it is determined by the Will County Health Department that there is an outbreak.
Building Nurses and Administrators should not give inquiring families any information that could potentially identify a student but can let parents know if they are concerned or have questions they can talk with their Building Nurse or pediatrician about symptoms and what to look for.
