Dear Parent/Guardian:

This letter is to notify you that the Windham Exempted Village Schools will be closed on Wednesday, March 23^rd and Thursday, March 24^th.   School will resume after spring break on April 4^th.

The district is closing early as we head towards spring break as a precautionary measure to help curtail a potential spread of Shigellosis.  At this time, we have two confirmed cases and five pending cases according to the Portage County Health Department.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.  Most people who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacterium.  The diarrhea is often bloody. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 to 7 days.  In some persons, especially young children and the elderly, the diarrhea can be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.  A severe infection with high fever may also be associated with seizures in children less than 2 years old.  Some persons who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the Shigella bacteria to others.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Stomach Cramps

How can Shigella infections be diagnosed?

Many different kinds of diseases can cause diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, and the treatment depends on which germ is causing the diarrhea.  Contact your healthcare provider if you are having persistent diarrhea.

We appreciate your understanding in this matter, and we must emphasize this is a precautionary measure to protect our staff and students.  

At the conclusion of spring break if your child is showing any signs or symptoms, please do not send your child to school without contacting Pat Stevenson, the school nurse, at 330-326-2711  x 501

There will be an informational meeting tonight at 6:00 pm in the Junior/Senior High School Library with the administrators and Portage County Health Department.

Sincerely,

Gregory C. Isler