Elementary student tests positive for monkeypox, 2nd student being tested, district says – WSB-TV Channel 2
NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — Newton County School System confirmed Wednesday that a student in the district has tested positive for monkeypox.
The school district notified parents that a student at Mansfield Elementary School tested positive. A second student who attends Flint Hill Elementary School is also being tested for monkeypox.
This is a developing story. Stay with Channel 2 Action News and WSBTV.com for the latest.
“School district officials notified parents at both schools via School Messenger call, and parents of students considered to be close contacts in accordance with CDC criteria will receive separate communications advising them of next steps,” the district wrote in a statement.
Newton County Schools said they are thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting classrooms and other areas at both schools.
The district cannot release information on individual students.
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A spokesman for the Gwinnett-Rockdale-Newton Public Health District confirmed the student is the first pediatric case in the district.
It is not the first pediatric case in the state. The latest numbers from the Georgia Department of Public Health released on August 17 shows one case of monkeypox in the state.
The new numbers will be released later Wednesday.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the monkeypox virus can spread from person to person through direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids.
Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox can be infected.
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