Bed bug bites are red, very itchy, and the discomfort of itching can cause distubances with sleep.   The bites usually appear on exposed skin of the neck, face, arms or legs. Not everyone reacts the same way to bedbugs. Some people are not allergic to the bites and will not exhibit any signs of being bitten.  Bed bugs do not transmit disease.  

When a student complains of itchy bites that appear to be like those of bed bugs, the student's clothing and backpack are discreetly inspected to determine if any bed bugs have "hitchhiked" to school.  If bugs are discovered, a bug is bagged for identification confirmation, and parents are notified that they may have an infestation of bed bugs in their home.  The student is allowed to remain in school.  Clothing is changed and personal belongings are bagged or may be put in a clothes dryer at a temperature that will kill bed bugs.  Parents will be asked not to send personal belongings (like backpacks) to school until the infestation is eradicated.  

For more information about bed bugs and home treatment, click on the following site: Oklahoma State Department of Health “Bed Bug Facts” Sheet

CHICKEN POX

Child may return to school one week (6 days) from day first eruption appeared (scabs may be present).

CONJUNCTIVITIS (Red or inflamed eyes -“Pink Eye”)

All children are excluded from school and instructed to get medical care.

IMPETIGO

Child may return to school when skin has returned to normal smoothness (there may be still a slight redness).

HEAD LICE

Children with active infestation (crawling lice, nits within one-half inch of scalp, and treatment history) must be sent home. They must be treated with medicated shampoo. They should return to school the morning after he/she has been treated. After the first infestation, the child must be checked and discharged in writing by the Major County Health Department. Parents are encouraged to check children’s heads daily to see they are not reinfested. A child must return to school within 1 day after he/she has been sent home or case is turned over to juvenile department. After the third infestation, a no nit policy will be enforced for the remainder of the school year.

HEPATITIS

Type A hepatitis is most common type in school-age children. It is only passed through oral-fecal route and unlikely to be communicable at school. No school exclusion is required. Encourage proper hand washing technique (before eating and after going to the bathroom).

RUBEOLA (Red Measles)

Child may return to school when entirely recovered and skin is clear. This is a serious illness, and we suggest your physician make the decision regarding recovery.

RUBELLA (Three- Day Measles)

Child may return to school when skin is clear.

MUMPS

Child may return to school when all swelling has subsided or 9 days has elapsed since first swelling.

For more information, click on the following site:
Oklahoma State Department of Health “Mumps” Fact Sheet

RINGWORM

Each infected area must be covered while child is in school. If scalp ringworm, a washable cap must be worn.

SCARLET FEVER OR SCARLETINA

Child excluded from school until he/she has been on antibiotics for 48 hours. Contacts: child may attend school when a member of the family has scarlet fever or scarletina providing he/she has no symptoms, fever, or sore throat.

SCABIES

Excluded from school for 24 hours after treatment. Itching may persist for several weeks. All exclusions and returns must be checked by the principal of the school or the employee’s supervisor, in coordination with the superintendent of schools.