Conjunctivitis
(Pink Eye) Policy.
What Is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the eye that is caused by a bacteria, virus, or allergies. When conjunctivitis is caused by a virus or bacteria, it is easily spread from person to person.
School Exclusion Protocol
Any student with symptoms of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis will be excluded from school until symptoms have resolved or the student has been treated for 24 hours.
Return to School
Students may return to school when:
- Symptoms have completely resolved, OR
- The student has received appropriate medical treatment and has been on treatment for at least 24 hours
Parents should consult with their healthcare provider to confirm their child is no longer contagious before returning to school.
References
This policy is based on the following professional and regulatory guidelines:
- Red Book: 2009 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics, p. 144
- State of Delaware, Department of Education, School Nursing: Technical Assistance Manual (February 2006), Section C, pp. 39-40
More Information
For additional information on identifying, treating, and preventing Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in children, please review the resources at KidsHealth.
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