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E a s t e r n   U p d a t e - Friday April 16, 2003

Fifth Disease

Fifth Disease occurs for the most part during the spring or fall season, and appears to be widespread this year. Women in their first trimester of pregnancy are most at risk, but all pregnant women have some risk. Pregnant women may want to have their doctor do a test for immunity to Fifth.

We do not wish to alarm our teachers, but we ask you as staff reps to make the information on this Eastern Update available to all teachers, particularly any women on staff who are pregnant.

OECTA considers Fifth as an occupational disease for teachers. If a pregnant woman and her doctor have determined that she should be off work; either while waiting for test results or because she is not immune, the teacher should contact their principal and the unit office. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the unit office and we will secure further information from Provincial Office.

You can also make reference to Board Policy No. D1:2 – Communicable Diseases – Fifth Disease. As outlined in the policy, it is important that all within the school community are informed about Fifth Disease to ensure our teachers and parents are not at risk.

We wish to stress that we do not wish to alarm teachers, but we ask you as staff rep to ensure any woman who is pregnant on your staff is informed about Fifth disease and contacts her doctor accordingly.

Survive and Thrive

This is a virtual conference beginning April 15, 2004 and online resource centre for beginning teachers sponsored by OTF and all provincial affiliates. Sessions will include: Classroom Management; Assessment; Working with Parents; Managing Stress; Literacy. To register link to OECTA Provincial www.oecta.on.ca