A preschool in a rural community north of Calgary is the site of a respiratory illness outbreak, as declared by Alberta Health Services (AHS) on Monday. A letter from AHS’ public health, communicable disease control outbreak team is posted on the Crossfield Playschool Association Facebook page. It reads “this is due to a cluster of children sick with respiratory symptoms.” “Respiratory illness symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss or altered sense of taste/smell, runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, and may also include fatigue (significant and unusual), muscle ache/joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.” The Crossfield Playschool Association writes in the post a request for children to remain home for 24 hours or until symptoms have improved and they are free of fever, without the use of fever reducing medicine. Educators are “required to report daily to AHS during the outbreak,” regarding the symptoms of children under its care. AHS also recommends frequent hand washing either with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. As well, coughs should be covered and touchpoints like door handles regularly cleaned. “Immunization is an important public health measure, and all families, children and staff are encouraged to complete their routine immunizations, COVID-19 and influenza immunizations,” reads the notice. There are 32 active outbreaks in child-care facilities across Alberta, according to the government’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard. More information can be accessed by calling Health Link 811 or online at MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
