Confirmed Case of Monkeypox (MPV)
Isolation Procedures
If there is a suspected case of Monkeypox at school, the student, staff member, or volunteer will isolate until they can go home. Every school has an identified space for isolating ill individuals. After the ill person leaves, the room and all related surfaces will be immediately cleaned and disinfected.
Returning to School and Work
The symptomatic person will be directed to test for Monkeypox and the District will work in partnership with Public Health to determine when they can return to school or work.
If you have Monkeypox, you are advised to stay at home (isolate) until your rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Staying away from other people and not sharing things you have touched with others will help prevent the spread of Monkeypox. Monkeypox can also spread to animals, so staying away from pets is also important. To learn more visit the CDC.
Cleaning Procedures
If there is a confirmed case of Monkeypox in the Northshore School District, facilities staff will implement cleaning protocols in the affected classroom, work, and common spaces (e.g., bus, gym, classrooms, isolation room) in accordance with requirements and guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County and Snohomish Health District.
Emergency Cleaning and Sanitation
Facilities will provide deep cleaning and disinfection of all classrooms and workspace high touch surfaces (i.e., desks, tables, door handles, light switches, pencil sharpeners, etc.) in the affected spaces using an approved EPA Registered disinfectant.
*Important note: Items that may be used as an oral sensory item, will not be left out for disinfecting. Disinfectants are not safe for ingestion, and are generally not approved for food contact surfaces. Oral sensory items can be washed with soap and warm water.
Cleaning or sanitizing required between uses of shared items in impacted areas will be determined by the Department of Health. All classrooms will be provided with disinfecting wipes approved by the EPA for effectiveness and low toxicity. Additional disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer will be made available in key administrative areas.
General cleaning including offices, lobbies, auditorium, gym, classrooms, locker room, health room, kitchen, and cafeteria, and stairwell occurs daily (5 days per week).