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Common Childhood Illnesses

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If you are a parent in San Mateo County, California and have received a notice that your child has been exposed to any of these diseases and want more information, call the San Mateo County Disease Control Prevention Unit, (650) 573-2346.   Disease Symptoms Period of Observation of Other Children Report to Health Dept. Requirements for Re-admission Chickenpox Fever, irritability, itchy blisters/sores over body 3 weeks No 6 days or less if all blisters scabbed Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Red irritated eyes with watery or yellow discharge 3 days No (except newborn) 24 hours after start antibiotic treatment Diarrhea Frequent loose or watery stools. Can have fever, stomach cramping, bloody stools. 3 days Yes, for specific diagnoses.** Antibiotic treatment may be recommended.* Must have no symptoms. Hepatitis A (Infectious Hepatitis) Fever, yellow eyes & skin (jaundice, loss of appetite. Often no symptoms in children.) 7 weeks Yes 1 week after appearance of jaundice. Impetigo Reddish, crusty sores on skin, often around mouth & nose, diaper area 5 days No 24 hours after start antibiotic treatment.* Cover lesions. Influenza Fever, headache, body aches, cough 3 days No Must have no symptoms. Measles (Rubeola) Fever, red watery eyes, runny nose, cough, red rash over body 2 weeks Yes 4 days after onset of rash. Must have no symptoms Meningitis Fever, severe headache, irritability. Can have seizures, unconsciousness 2 weeks Yes Antibiotic treatment recommended.* Must have no symptoms. Mononucleosis Fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, stomachache 6 weeks No Must have no symptoms. Mumps Fever, swelling of salivary glands (cheeks) 3 weeks Yes 9 days after onset of symptoms. Must have no symptoms. Head Lice (Pediculosis) Itchy scalp, eggs or nits and lice or crabs in hair unknown No After treatment. Ringworm (Tinea corporis, capitis) Ring-shaped scaly patches on skin. On scalp may lead to bald patches 2 weeks No No exclusion necessary. Cover lesions. Antibiotic treatment recommended.* German Measles (Rubella) Fever, runny nose, swollen neck glands, red rash on body 2 weeks Yes 7 days after onset of rash. Must have no symptoms. Scabies Intensely itchy rash often between fingers, wrists, underarms, groin, buttocks 6 weeks No After treatment.* Streptococcal Infection (Including Scarlet Fever, Strep Throat) Fever, sore throat, can have red "sand papery" rash on body 5 days No (except outbreaks) 24 hours after start antibiotic treatment.* Must have no symptoms. Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Runny nose, intense coughing fits often with "whoop" and vomiting 3 weeks Yes 5 days after start antibiotic treatment.* Must have no symptoms. Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease (Coxsackie virus) Fever, mouth sores, blisters on hands and feet 6 days No No exclusion necessary. Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) Itching of anal and sometimes vaginal area, especially at night. May see thread-like worm in stool 2-3 days No No exclusion necessary. Antibiotic treatment recommended.*   * Full course of antibiotic treatment should be completed, as prescribed. ** Report newborn outbreaks, salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, ameba, giardia, cholera