3.6.4.2: Infectious Diseases That Require Parent/Guardian Notification

In cooperation with the child care regulatory authority and health department, the facility or the health department should inform parents/guardians if their child may have been exposed to the following diseases or conditions while attending the child care program, while retaining the confidentiality of the child who has the infectious disease:

1. Neisseria meningitidis (meningitis);
2. Pertussis;
3. Invasive infections;
4. Varicella-zoster (Chickenpox) virus;
5. Skin infections or infestations (head lice, scabies, and ringworm);
6. Infections of the gastrointestinal tract (often with diarrhea) and hepatitis A virus (HAV);
7. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib);
8. Parvovirus B19 (fifth disease);
9. Measles;
10. Tuberculosis;
11. Two or more affected unrelated persons affiliated with the facility with a vaccine-preventable or infectious disease.

RATIONALE

Early identification and treatment of infectious diseases are important in minimizing associated morbidity and mortality as well as further reducing transmission (1). Notification of parents/guardians will permit them to discuss with their child’s primary care provider the implications of the exposure and to closely observe their child for early signs and symptoms of illness.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

3.6.1.4 Infectious Disease Outbreak Control

REFERENCES

1. Aronson, S. S., T. R. Shope, eds. 2009. Managing infectious diseases in child care and schools: A quick reference guide. 2nd ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.