Logos Opens Monday, August 6th, 2012

Dear Logos Community,

I am pleased to announce that Logos International School will be opening school as planned on Monday, August 6^th.  The Ministry of Education has given us permission to open, and we will be following strict guidelines to help prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) which in part caused the tragic deaths of children in Cambodia.  It should be noted that HFMD is a common, contagious illness that occurs mostly among infants and children, though adults are infected occasionally. The disease spreads when a healthy person has contact with secretions from an infected person (such as saliva, stool, or fluid from blisters).  Infected people generally develop a fever, painful ulcers in the mouth and a non-itchy rash on their hands, feet and buttocks which may blister. Children usually recover fully without medical treatment in a week to 10 days.  The World Health Organization stated that many of the children who died in Cambodia had associated underlying illnesses and others suffered from malnutrition. Most of the patients had also been administered steriods after the onset of the infection which may have contributed to the severity of HFMD.  Typically, this is not a serious illness, and we have been assured by many medical agencies that there is no need to keep your healthy child from coming to school.  To ensure the safety of our school community from this and other illnesses, Logos will instruct children in and follow these good health habits:

• Any child who shows signs of fever, rash or vomiting should stay at home.  If the child is sent to school, he or she will be sent home immediately.  A child should not return to school until the fever has been gone for 24 hours.
• Students will be taught and reminded to wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating snacks, after using the bathroom or coughing.
• Students will be taught and reminded to cover a cough.
• Students will be taught and strongly discouraged from sharing food, drinks or eating utensils.

These healthy practices go a long way in not just preventing HFMD, but many common illnesses spread between people.