CHICKENPOX CASES HIT LA MESA SCHOOL.Byline: Daily News SANTA CLARITA Santa Clarita, city (1990 pop. 110,642), Los Angeles co., S Calif., suburb 30 mi (48 km) NW of downtown Los Angeles, on the Santa Clara River; inc. 1987. Situated in the Santa Clara valley and nearby canyons, Santa Clarita includes the former towns of Canyon Country, -- An outbreak of chickenpox chickenpox or varicella Contagious viral disease producing itchy blisters. It usually occurs in epidemics among young children, causes a low fever, and runs a mild course, leaving patients immune. The blisters can scar if scratched. at La Mesa Junior High has parents running to the doctor's office. Despite the chickenpox vaccine chickenpox vaccine Pediatrics A one-shot live varicella virus vaccine that confers 6+ yrs of protection in 70–90% Adverse effects Injection site pain, erythema Contraindications Hx of anaphylactoid reactions to neomycin or gelatin, current fever, pregnancy, being available for about 15 years, it seems some parents might have skipped the second dose of the shot that, if given at the right age and time, can prevent the disease. In a letter to parents, Christine Amstutz, Hart Union High School District nurse, warned parents about several cases of chickenpox on the junior high campus. "This is an excellent opportunity to make sure your child gets the second shot of chicken pox chicken pox or varicella (vâr'əsĕl`ə), infectious disease usually occurring in childhood. It is believed to be caused by the same herpesvirus that produces shingles. vaccine if he/she has not already gotten it," Amstutz wrote. Symptoms of chickenpox include fever, headache and fatigue as well as pimple-like skin irritations and scabs. But some cases of the highly contagious disease contagious disease n. See communicable disease. can be so mild there are no symptoms. Parents who suspect that their child might have chickenpox should call their doctor, the nurse said. To find a public health clinic, call (800) 427-8700. |
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