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.