Sample Letter Regarding Chicken Pox
This may be reproduced by schools or others who need it.

Dear Parents:

One of the students, ___________, in our class has recently been diagnosed with cancer. S/He is being treated by the medical staff of Washington University/St. Louis Children's Hospital. Due to the intensity of the treatment some simple precautions are necessary to help ______________ stay well.

Cancer is NOT CONTAGIOUS. However, this student is much more likely to catch infectious diseases from other students because the drugs used to get rid of the cancer cells weaken the natural immune system. Of particular concern is chicken pox. Serious complications from this disease can be avoided if ________________ receives preventive treatment within 72 hours of being exposed to chicken pox. The important factor will be determining whether or not _________________ has been exposed at school. This will require the cooperation of all of our families.

If you believe that your child has contracted or recently been exposed to chicken pox, measles, or adult shingles and has spent time with ______________, please contact the school office as soon as possible. We will alert _____________'s parents so they can take the proper precautions. Thank you for helping us with this important matter.

Please call _____________________ if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

(Classroom Teacher)

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