Herpes Simplex I

CAUSE:

Viral infection

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

A viral infection characterized by lesions around the mouth, on the face and upper part of the body. They are commonly called “cold sores” or “fever blisters”. Fever blisters or cold sores usually on the face and lips crust and heal in a few days. It may present as pharyngitis or conjunctivitis. Sunlight, fever, local trauma, and stress sometimes trigger these symptoms. Sores usually start as tingling or burning pain on gums, inner lips, cheeks, and turn into a reddened sore accompanied by a fever.

INCUBATION PERIOD:

2 to 12 days

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:

Direct contact with an infected person. Until the sore is crusted over, the virus can be transmitted from mouth to mouth, saliva and respiratory droplets. Herpes spreads through contact with active sores or contaminated hands.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

Implement Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens procedures

PERIOD OF COMMUNICABILITY:

Unknown

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL:

Exclusion from school not required. Individuals need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Though the individual is under treatment, all sores must be covered until they have healed.