A few kids in the Ark City school district have the chickenpox and district officials are asking parents to help control the spread of the common, childhood illness.
While chickenpox ? caused by the Varicella virus ? is rarely serious for children it does require that students stay home from school or childcare while they still have a rash. Symptoms usually include a a sudden onset of mild fever, a tired and weak feeling and then the appearance of an itchy, blistering rash.
Parents who suspect their children have chickenpox are advised to contact their child’s healthcare provider or the health department as soon as possible, school district officials said.
A chickenpox vaccine is available and those interested should contact their healthcare provider.
