Mysterious rash closes schools

Drudgereport.com | 2/8/02 | wpvi.com

[Court]

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/news/wpvi_nw_QuakertownRash.html

[Court]

This is a scary time to not know exactly what has cause a rash in hundreds of children in several schools.

[ThePythonicCow]

Above link, activated: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/news/wpvi_nw_QuakertownRash.html

[blackdog]

Maybe the pathetic cirriculum is getting under their skin. I hope it's nothing else though.

[Paradox]

This happened some years ago in a school, and it was never explained. Mass hysteria was the closest thing offered as an explanation.

[dubyaweluvya]

Pennsylvania seems to have terrible contamination problems with their water in several communities. Could it be the water?

The Reading paper wrote about human waste and sludge contaminating water supplies in Heidleberg Township.

The Laceyville Borough has bacteria infections from their water supply.

The Rocket-Courier just last December covered more water problems in Wilmot Township with contaminated water from septic systems.

Falls Township has had an ongoing battle with groundwater contamination leading to severe illness including breast cancer.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

was clinton in town recently

[SeeRushToldU_So]

Know anything about this?

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Actually I do know something about this! This is my school district and it is a very scary matter..... One of you mentioned the water - I could see that, as there are many contaminated areas near here, but that wouldn't explain why it is just in the school children. The rash started in one elementary school, then showed up in another...both of those buildings have been closed this week....now starting to show up in the High School, where my daughter attends, and a middle school.

The buildings are all within about a one mile radius of each other - my son's elementary school is about 4 miles away and has not been affected so far.

The school administration acted quickly and I think, with great wisdom. They immediately transported approximately 40 kids to the hospital for treatment the first day. They have experts in checking everything from water, to air quality, to cleaning solvents. Another school district about 20 miles away has reported this problem as well.

The comment about the pathetic curriculum is uncalled for. I WAS a homeschooler until I enrolled my kids in this district. I have not been unhappy at all, in fact, this district has an amazing record of increasing test scores, and the teachers are well paid and dedicated to their jobs. We are a suburban school district, with a lot of parental involvement and support.

This is a very trying time for those of us in this district - we are relying on specialists and professionals to determine the cause of this myterious rash and, as with everything that involves those we love, it is not easy to sit back and wait.....

[dubyaweluvya]

So sorry to hear about the children in your area. What are the symptoms of the rash? All I have read describe: red, itchy bumps and low-grade fever. Is there more? How long has it lasted? Are only children effected? What age ranges? What does your gut tell you about the problem?

[Mo1]

Hi Texasgirl ... did you hear anymore on that article about the kids in Royersford with the rash I sent you..

I haven't had a chance to watch the News .. but wasn't there also a mention of a couple kids in NJ having a rash??

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Thank you both for asking - I haven't heard anything additional other than the schools will be reopened on Monday. The rash is uncomfortable but seems to be fairly minor - I realize it isn't if you have it - but minor in that it doesn't have serious health indications.

Dub, my gut reaction is some sort of mold or fungus - possibly spread through the children because of things children do - like touching each other and putting their hands in their own mouths..... It does not appear to have shown up in any adults - strange - Both schools are older and in an older part of town..... toxic, maybe, but not affecting anyone outside of the building.

We have experienced a very very mild winter - some schools in NJ and closer to Philadelphia have reported the same symptoms.... I'm wondering if it could be some sort of fungus or mold associated with the strange weather? Who knows...... but, thanks again for asking...

[kassie]

Interesting.

[Mo1]

You might be right about the mold ... years ago we had a bad ice and snow problem .. there was about a foot of ice on my roof .. during the day it would melt .. right into the house .. all the wall on the back of the house had to be replaced ..

But during this time .. my oldest and only child at the time came down with a rash .. red spots all over her body .. once we pulled the walls out and had them replaced .. she was fine

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

And you weren't affected in the same way as your child? That is interesting..... I did hear someone with the school administration mention the radiators in the buildings..... I know that many days my daughter (HighSchool) has complained that it was too hot in the rooms......

Thanks Mol....where are you located?

[terilyn]

Hi you!

I know this is probably a stupid question, but the fact that there is a low-grade fever that goes along with the rash makes me wonder. Have the doctors ruled out Fifth Disease? My girls both had it when they were in elementary school, but I got it, as well as several of the teachers. Low grade fever first, (that's when they're contageous), and then a red rash that itches like the dickens. Especially noticable on the cheeks, (both upper and lower):o)

I always thought they looked like somebody had slapped them across the face, hard. It lasted about the same length of time as chicken pox does. The doctors took a while to diagnose it when it first started here in our school district. Then they told us that once the rash shows up the kids were not contageous any longer so they might as well go to school if they weren't too uncomfortable.

I hope they figure it out soon. I'm sure it's stressful.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Hi back at 'ya!

Yes, they have ruled out Fifth Disease! I think that was their first thought, but tests showed it was not that.

There was a big meeting held today at the High School, mainly for the parents in those two schools..... they still have no answer, but are continuing to check for everything they can think of...... this sure is scary though..

Thanks for asking T..... hope all is well your way....

[terilyn]

Things are good here. Snow today, but it's February and it's Minnesota, what do we expect?

It sure is stressful when your kids are sick and nobody can figure out what the cause is. I'll be thinking about you. Let me know what they find out would you?

Take care of you.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Thank you ....I will....

[bettina0]

I think a rash similar to this broke out in another state earlier this year (Virginia?). It's not the first time I heard about it.