UK - Fears quashed over disease outbreak at Lamberhead Green Primary School , Pemberton - impetigo

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Fears quashed over disease outbreak

Published on Monday 28 November 2011 06:47<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> formatPubDate("Mon Nov 28 12:47:30 GMT 2011"); </SCRIPT>

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HEALTH chiefs have acted swiftly to allay fears that a contagious childhood illness is sweeping local schools.


Concerns were raised after several children were sent home sick from
Lamberhead Green Primary School, Pemberton, with mysterious rashes and spots.

Hand, foot and mouth disease was suspected, and the school sent out a letter urging parents to check for symptoms and seek medical attention for their children should they find any.

It also said that there had been outbreaks of the condition - which usually affects children - at several other local schools.

But after several children were taken to the doctor?s for examination, it was concluded that they in fact had the unpleasant bacterial skin infection impetigo.

More...
http://www.wigantoday.net/community/local-information/fears_quashed_over_disease_outbreak_1_4011446

 

[Emily]

Re: UK - Fears quashed over disease outbreak at Lamberhead Green Primary School , Pemberton - impetigo

I'm not sure what disease they were afraid of, but impetigo is contagious, and I hope the reason behind such a widespread outbreak is discovered.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001863/

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Impetigo is caused by streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) is becoming a common cause.

The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing in the body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing inflammation and infection. Breaks in the skin may occur with:

Animal bites

Human bites

Injury or trauma to the skin

Insect bites

Impetigo may also occur on skin where there is no visible break.

It is most common in children, particularly those in unhealthy living conditions.
[snip]
Impetigo is contagious, so avoid touching the draining (oozing) lesions.

 

[alert]

Re: UK - Fears quashed over disease outbreak at Lamberhead Green Primary School , Pemberton - impetigo

According to the first post, there was suspicion of HFMD, which can be severe and even fatal in some cases. Apparently, impetigo is a milder illness.