Charleston School District battles illness outbreak: Guide issued for parents

CHARLESTON, Mo., (KBSI) — Charleston R-I Schools are experiencing a surge in student illnesses, prompting school officials to issue a guide for parents on when to keep their children home.

According to School Nurse Julie Burke, students should stay home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

— Headache with stiff neck and fever, which may require urgent medical care.

— Skin rashes with fever, behavioral changes or open lesions.

— Pink eye symptoms, including redness, irritation, itchiness, discharge and swollen eyelids.

— Diarrhea with three or more watery stools in a day.

— Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher. Students can return to school after 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.

— New cough with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which may require urgent care.

— Abdominal pain lasting more than two hours or accompanied by fever.

— Vomiting, with students allowed to return to school 24 hours after the last episode.

Parents are advised to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on returning to school, especially for illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu.