The NJDOH DSH sends a monthly newsletter with important information as included in the quoted information below from the DSH Team:
"Stay Vigilant: Report Outbreaks Promptly!
To keep our schools safe and healthy, it’s crucial to report any suspected outbreaks immediately. A school may be experiencing an outbreak (i.e., occurrence of disease greater than expected) if:
- Several children who exhibit similar symptoms are in the same classroom, the same wing of a facility or they attended a common event.
- There is an increase in school absences with many parents reporting similar symptoms as the reason why their child is not attending school.
- Two or more students are diagnosed with the same reportable disease (e.g., salmonellosis).
- A single case of a highly infectious disease (e.g., measles) exists, or is suspected to exist.
- Do not wait for confirmation in these instances, as the potential for an outbreak exists. Reach out to your local health department if you are unsure if an outbreak is occurring.
During times of seasonal illnesses (such as influenza), schools should expect to see sporadic cases. NJDOH recommends that schools monitor students and staff and notify the local health department if the school is experiencing clusters as described above.
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