Features

Safer Practices Part 4: Managing contagious diseases and childhood infections

Which diseases require official notification and when should children not attend? By Nicole Weinstein

Underlying presentations of serious infectious diseases can mimic common childhood infections in the early stages, so it is vital that providers have policies in place and follow Government guidelines as their first line of defence in infection control.

Measles, which hit headlines this summer, starts off with cold-like symptoms and a high temperature. Several days later, a rash appears. One infected child can pass it on to nine out of ten children who have not been protected by the MMR vaccination. In worst-case scenarios, measles develops into meningitis and sepsis and causes a risk to life.

Measles, alongside whooping cough, meningitis and scarlet fever, is one of 34 ‘notifiable illnesses’ that are required by law to be reported to government authorities when diagnosed.

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