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Communicable Diseases & Exclusions

Exclusion from School for Health Reasons

At WFISD, our primary goal is to keep students in school and engaged in learning. However, there may be instances when your child needs to be sent home due to illness or injury. The decision to exclude a student with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or other potentially contagious conditions is made at the discretion of the school nurse or administrator, based on the health assessment and the information disclosed and or details provided.

We understand that this can be concerning for parents. If you have any questions or concerns about your child being sent home for health reasons, please contact your school nurse. Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all students and staff remains our highest priority.

Protecting Students and Staff

To safeguard the health of our school community, students infected with communicable diseases must remain home while contagious. Please follow these guidelines:

  • Students may return to school after being symptom-free and fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

  • In some cases, students must provide a signed note from a healthcare professional stating they are not contagious.

Guidelines for Exclusion

The following guidelines comply with the Texas Department of State Health Services requirements for student exclusion:

  1. Temperature of 100 degrees or higher: Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol or Advil.

  2. Pain and/or swelling at the angle of the jaw: Exclusion required until cleared by a healthcare professional.

  3. Undetermined rash: Exclusion until a physician determines it is non-contagious.

  4. Undiagnosed scaly patches on the body or scalp: Exclusion until cleared by a healthcare provider.

  5. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.

  6. Red, draining eyes: Exclusion until evaluated by a healthcare provider and treatment started if indicated.

  7. Intense itching with signs of infection: Exclusion required until treated.

  8. Open, draining lesions: Exclusion until adequately covered or treated.

  9. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes): Exclusion until cleared by a healthcare provider.

Procedures

Please Note: If your child has a medical diagnosis that could mimic symptoms of illness, please provide your campus nurse with medical documentation directly from your child's physician. If a potential illness is suspected, the child may still need to be sent home pending further assessment.

  • The principal or the school nurse, will notify parents when a student must be excluded for health reasons.

  • Parents or guardians are responsible for transporting the student home.

  • For certain illnesses, a physician’s note may be required for readmission, confirming the student is no longer contagious.

A comprehensive list of communicable conditions requiring exclusion is available from the school nurse.

Additional Information

 The district is required to report certain communicable diseases to the Texas Department of State Health Services or local health authorities. The guidelines below have been developed for the exclusion of students who have communicable or contagious diseases. These regulations comply with the requirements of the Texas Department of State Health Services, http://txrules.elaws.us/rule/title25_chapter97_sec.97.7 health.

Common Conditions and Requirements

Texas Administrative Code
Rules for the exclusion of sick children from school and childcare are outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, specifically

  • Fever (100 degrees or higher): Stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

  • Vomiting/Diarrhea: Return only when symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.

  • Chickenpox: Return seven days after rash onset and when all blisters are crusted.

  • Strep Throat/Scarlet Fever: Return after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and being fever-free.

  • Influenza: Return after 24 hours fever-free without medication.

  • Fifth’s Disease: If fever is present, return when fever-free for 24 hours.

  • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Return with a healthcare provider’s note and after treatment begins.

  • Impetigo: Return with a healthcare provider’s note after starting antibiotic treatment; lesions should be covered.

  • Ringworm/Scabies: Return after 24 hours of treatment with proof of treatment; nurse verification required.

For more detailed information on communicable disease exclusions, please contact your school nurse or refer to the Texas Administrative Code Rule 97.7.

For more information:  Health Services / Communicable Diseases / Exclusions from School

Documentation Requirements

  • A parent or doctor's note must be submitted to the school office within 72 hours of the first absence to be excused (weekend days are not counted). Notes submitted after this period will result in an unexcused absence.

 

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a healthy school environment.