Monkeypox case confirmed in Cumberland County elementary school | CPT PPP Coverage

ENOLA, Pa. — A monkeypox case was reported in a Cumberland County elementary school on Thursday, Oct. 6. 

In a letter sent out to families, Shaull Elementary School Superintendent David E. Christopher informed parents of the recent positive case. 

“We share this information not to cause alarm, but simply to ensure transparency in what we know,” Christopher wrote in the letter. “Personal communication has been made with everyone believed to have been in close proximity with the individual.” 

The district ensured that custodial staff will thoroughly clean and disinfect spaces and surfaces throughout the building. Additionally, the school has reportedly been in contact with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and will take any additional recommended steps provided to ensure the health of students. 

According to Christopher, the risk of transmission is low, however, school staff wanted to inform guardians about the positive case to increase awareness. 

Parents with children who feel unwell have been encouraged to keep them home. If any parent believes their child has monkeypox, contact a health provider and notify the child’s school nurse. 

The symptoms of monkeypox include, but are not limited to, a blister-like rash, fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes. It is important to note that while monkeypox is a serious illness, it does not spread as quickly or rapidly as COVID-19. 

Monkeypox is typically spread through close, personal contact, often directly skin-to-skin. For more information on monkeypox, visit this website. 

The full letter to parents and guardians sent out by Superintendent Christopher can be found here. 

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