A person at an elementary school in Gwinnett County, Georgia, tested positive for monkeypox, according to a school administrator.
In a statement sent home to parents of Dacula Elementary School on Friday, they did not indicate whether it was an adult or a kid. However, the health department stated it was an adult.
“I want to reassure you, we are taking this situation very seriously and the risk of monkeypox transmission in a school setting is very minimal,” the letter said. “The individual in question will remain off campus until cleared to return to school by medical officials.”
They went on to explain that the school premises were being carefully cleaned and disinfected. The latest confirmed case of monkeypox was also found last week in a Newton County elementary school kid.
This statement was also provided at the time by the Gwinnett Newton Rockdale Public Health Department to 11Alive:
“GNR Public Health works closely with the school systems in our district. We have been in contact with Newton County Schools and will continue to follow up and support their staff as the need for disease education rises. Parents of students considered to be close contacts in accordance with CDC criteria will receive communications from the school system advising them of next steps.
It is important to remember that monkeypox spreads primarily through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact such as direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox. Although less likely, it can also be spread through touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox or through contact with respiratory secretions from someone who is infected.“
