School staff are frequently exposed to blood and potentially blood-contaminated bodily fluid while performing their duties.  There is also high potential for other communicable disease exposure as schools are high-density institutions and the close and constant contact provides innumerable opportunities for person-to-person transmission.  School staff should be aware of the difference in transmission for both and ways to prevent exposure.

Communicable disease rates go up and down in every community.  Cases can appear in epidemic proportion one year only to fall to just a few cases the next.  School staff should always be alerted about what communicable diseases are common in their community.

Examples of common communicable diseases include:

Impetigo-- a highly contagious skin bacterial infection common among children, impetigo appears as a cluster of raised bumps filled with fluid and often pus.  The disease is spread through direct contact with sores of an infected person, contaminated towels and toilet articles.  The infection usually requires antibiotic therapy.  Staff with chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer are especially susceptible to infection.

Ringworm-- a general name for several fungal skin diseases.  Most common are ringworm of the scalp with scaly patches of temporary baldness and ringworm of the body characterized by flat ring-shaped sores.  Direct skin to skin contact along with indirect contact with personal items such as hats, combs and towels can transmit the fungus as well as household pets (cats, dogs).).  Ringworm can lead to other more serious bacterial infections if not treated promptly.

Fifth disease-- a mild childhood disease with symptoms of a facial rash or slapped cheek appearance.  Most of us have been infected with the fifth disease virus in childhood.  However, adults who are recently infected may be at risk for a temporary "arthritis" (joint inflammation) or chronic anemia.  There also may be a risk of fetal death for pregnant workers who are newly infected.

Tuberculosis-- TB is on the rise in major urban areas--most notably in new immigrant populations, the homeless and HIV-infected individuals.  When individuals with active TB cough and sneeze, they release droplets containing the bacteria into the air.  Other students and staff who inhale these droplets can become infected and have a 10 percent life-time risk of developing TB.  It is important to note, however, that pre-adolescent children pose no risk of transmitting the disease.