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April 12, 2016

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Your childs safety and health is our top priority and that is why this letter is to inform you of a case
of shigellosis at AEN. At this time there has been only one confirmed case, but we want to make
you aware of what we are doing and what you can do at home to stop its spread.
Shigellosis is a highly contagious infection caused by bacteria called Shigella. Shigella is found in
the feces of infected individuals and is spread by ingesting the bacteria via contaminated food,
water, or objects, or by direct contact with the feces of an infected person. Symptoms include
diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting, fever, and/or abdominal cramps. The illness usually
begins 1 to 3 days after bacterial exposure and symptoms typically last 4 to 7 days. When a person
has signs or symptoms, they are more likely to spread the bacteria but may spread the bacteria for 12 weeks after symptoms resolve.
Teachers and staff are being even more vigilant than normal about making sure students are
washing their hands after using the restroom and coming in from recess. There are also hand
sanitizers in each classroom that students have available for use any time they enter or leave the
room (particularly on their way to recess and lunch). While we are striving to make sure these extra
steps are being taken at school, please also talk to your student at home about good hygiene and
making sure they are washing and cleaning their hands on a regular basis.

Recommendations
Use proper hygiene, particularly in household and daycare settings
o Carefully wash hands before/after changing diapers, using the toilet, and eating
o Ensure supervised hand washing of small children after using the toilet
o Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and other high-touch items.

Children/staff with vomiting, fever, and/or diarrhea should not attend school, childcare or
public activities until 24 hours after symptoms resolve without medication.

If you or your child experience shigellosis symptoms listed above, visit your health care
provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Thank you for your assistance in following the recommendations to prevent the spread of Shigella.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact The Texas Department of State Health
Services at 817-822-6786.
Sincerely,
Candi Howard, LVN
School Nurse
(817) 783-6863 ext.3105!
Inspiring(&(Empowering(Learners(