The district has been notified of an outbreak of chickenpox (varicella) at the Alachua Learning Academy charter school in Alachua. To this point, there have been no cases reported at other schools in the Alachua-High Springs area or at any other schools in the district. However, out of an abundance of caution, notifications have been sent to families and staff at Irby and Alachua elementary schools, Mebane Middle School, Santa Fe High School and High Springs Community School. 

Symptoms of chickenpox include a rash of itchy blisters, often accompanied by fever, headache and tiredness. It can be spread through the air and through touch. While chickenpox is usually a mild disease, it can cause more serious health issues and can also pose a threat to infants, pregnant women and immunocompromised people.

A fact sheet with more information about the symptoms, prevention and treatment of chickenpox is included on this page.

To protect other students and staff, children with a rash, fever or other illness should NOT come to school. The Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommend that an unimmunized student who has been exposed to chickenpox should not attend school. Any students exhibiting symptoms at school will be sent home.

The chickenpox vaccine is available in the city of Alachua from the Florida Department of Health-Alachua at 15530 NW US Highway 441. The clinic phone number is (386) 462-2542. 

Anyone with questions should contact the Epidemiology Program of the Alachua County Health Department at 352-225-4167 or 352-225-4181.

We encourage all families to take appropriate steps to protect their child, family and the community from chickenpox.

Thank you for helping support the health and wellbeing of our students, staff, families and visitors.