4 students tested for monkeypox at Washington Park Elementary
WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) - The Washington School District is waiting on test results to find out if a handful of elementary students have monkeypox or if their symptoms were caused by something else.
Washington School District Superintendent George Lammay told KDKA four students were showing symptoms of suspected monkeypox or another disease with similar symptoms at Washington Park Elementary School on Monday.
Lammay said the administrative team and school nurses took immediate action with the safety of students and staff in mind. He said they contacted the health department, the four students went to the hospital for evaluation and testing and the custodial staff sanitized certain classrooms.
"There was enough concern we felt we needed to make sure these kids were going to get appropriate treatment first for them and secondly for the rest of the student body and staff to make sure they weren't at risk," Lammay said.
A letter was sent home with students, and additional letters were sent home for potential close contacts.
School will continue to be in-person at the elementary school.
Lammay said it could take up to two weeks for the district to have confirmation of the diagnoses.
"The thing I felt strongly about was, we're not really sure what this is, to be very candid. I didn't feel it was appropriate to not mention the fact that it could be monkeypox only because it presents similarly to other things," Lammay said.
Dr. Graham Snyder, UPMC's medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology, said monkeypox is mostly transmitted by close physical contact with a person who is contagious. He said it can look like other diseases or a rash and can lead to bacterial issues.
"Monkeypox can look like other diseases, for example, chickenpox, but it can look like the rash of chickenpox," Dr. Snyder said.
He adds monkeypox in children is rare so far.
"The CDC has identified 27 cases of monkeypox under the age of 16, that includes 12 under the age of 5. While it can happen in kids, so far it's a rare event. Nevertheless, because it can look like other infections and the skin conditions, it's important to talk to your pediatrician," Dr. Snyder said.
"I just want the Washington community to trust that we are going to do everything we can, that we are being out front with things," said Lammay. "That's why we sent the letters home and we're welcoming calls."
For parents who are concerned about a shared chair or desk, or transmission through droplets in a classroom, Dr. Snyder said it seems these would be a low or very low risk of exposure.
