A fungus among us...Ringworm

[halohg, RN]

So I was transferred from one building to another to cover a nurse on leave. This is my 4th week here and since the beginning of the year, one classroom specifically (1st Grade) seems to be spreading ringworm. There are 3 current active cases but all in all, over 6-8 children have been affected. Custodians have deep cleaned room several times. Our medical director has written standing orders that 'if on body where clothing covers it and there is only one lesion, it may be covered and student may remain in school. If on face or arms or other exposed areas, one lesion only, cover with dry dressing and allow student to remain in school. If student has several lesions, he/she must be excluded. In all cases, recommend medical care. Medical clearance is needed to return to school. Any drainage should be covered.'

Unfortunately, only one student returned to school with an actual diagnosis, so sending a letter of awareness is not called for under the policy.

Any thoughts?

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

Bubble wrap?

[OldDude]

Bubble wrap?

That might work...

[Farawyn]

They need to wipe down the gym. Ringworm is rampant here and I have ongoing wars with the gym teachers.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

They need to wipe down the gym. Ringworm is rampant here and I have ongoing wars with the gym teachers.

If the gym has those rubber gym mats, those need to be seriously cleaned. My school has a day care with those mats and ringworm loves those things.

[canigraduate]

If it keeps coming back, it's likely from a home source. I used to get it from my dog. You could send a letter home with the class's students educating the parents about possible home sources.

From Sources of Infection | Ringworm | Types of Diseases | Fungal Diseases | CDC

The fungi that cause ringworm can live on skin and in the environment. There are three main ways that ringworm can spread:

1. From a person who has ringworm.

People can get ringworm after contact with someone who has the infection. To avoid spreading the infection, people with ringworm shouldn't share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with other people.

2. From an animal that has ringworm.

People can get ringworm after touching an animal that has ringworm. Many different kinds of animals can spread ringworm to people, including dogs and cats, especially kittens and puppies. Other animals, like cows, goats, pigs, and horses can also spread ringworm to people. Please click here for more information about pets and ringworm, and click here for information about how to stay healthy at petting zoos and other animal exhibits.

3. From the environment.

The fungi that cause ringworm can live on surfaces, particularly in damp areas like locker rooms and public showers. For that reason, it's a good idea not to walk barefoot in these places.

Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself from ringworm.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Great refresher...thanks for sharing.

[Bevp]

We have been busy with an outbreak of Impetigo and Strep Throat (go figure) 4 Strep & 3 Impetigo just in one class... letters went out yesterday, as well.

[LessValuableNinja]

My thoughts are, "It would have been funnier if you wrote Afungus Amungus."