[hlth] CDC Asks for Mysterious Rash Info

[dabom]

http://library.northernlight.com/EE2...=2006&sc=0#doc

CDC Asks for Mysterious Rash Info


Story Filed: Thursday, February 21, 2002 6:22 PM EST

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Government scientists are trying to determine if mysterious rashes that have afflicted hundreds of
youngsters in at least seven states are related and more widespread than previously thought.

The red, itchy rash appears to be more of an aggravation than a serious health threat, but it has temporarily closed schools,
worried parents and frustrated school administrators who cannot identify its cause.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week asked health officials nationwide for information on possible
outbreaks.

CDC investigators plan to interview dermatologists, pediatricians and nurses who examined the affected children,
spokesman Llelwyn Grant said Thursday.

Students in Pennsylvania, Oregon, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio and Washington state have complained about
rashes on their face, arms, legs and body in recent months. For the most part, the rashes go away when the students leave
school.

Some health investigators suspect it might be caused by a new or yet-to-be-identified virus.

Most school districts have ruled out an environmental cause, although one Washington state district found abnormally high
levels of dust, dandruff and skin particles.

I think this is a real serious indication that there is more to this than we are being told!

[teefleur]

Curioser and curioser....

[freemen]

Another thing to consider is a two-pronged attack. First disease does not seem too serious but sets up the second which is much more deadly. ie A virus like aids affects the immune system that lets something else affect you that normally wouldn't cause that much damage.

[Lurkess]

Tv news reported last night that it is here in North Florida too.

They called it Fifths Disese.

Said it was contagious and not preventable.

Just wonder why it's showing up everywhere all of a suddend.

Lurkess

[rb.]

'Bout bleeping time they started checking in to this!

[The Flying Dutchman]

FWIW....

The school kids here in west central Texas all are getting it also. It seems to be a 'two' stage illness. You catch it, get over it (it ssems) after a few days; then about a week to ten days later you are down with it again...

"As for me...Ishall finish the Game"!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Shakey~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[rb.]

Shakey,

That seems to be the pattern elsewhere. Problem is, they've tested and it's not really Fifths.

[expose']

They tested it here in WA and found that it's not fifths disease.
They thought it was a mutant strain of the disease because some of the students tested positive for fifths antibodies...but the others with the rash didn't test positive....so back to square one..

If it comes close to my son's school - he's outta there!

[Redeye]

Uh, hey, Fred, maybe we ought to at least look to those idiots in flyover land like we're doing <i>something</i>...what say we put out a news release, huh?

Yeah, OK Sam, got one right here, nice and innocent-sounding...


From 10-19-2001, a link to the <a href="http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10977">Feds warn Docs to be on look out for</a>, specifically referring to the CDC.
From 10-27-2001 the thread <a href="http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12038&highlight=disease +and+monitor">Early Warning Needed on Bioterrorism</a> speaks sketchily about a national reporting system feeding a database.

What I <u>could not</u> successfully find was a tb2k thread speaking to that such a system has been or is being set up. I do recall the cable news talking of the monies appropriated some time back.

In other words, that CDC request may simply be a way of finding out additional info about outbreaks beyond what doctors may already be reporting. Those suspicious and over-protective parents, of course, may simply yank their kids from school and the doctor would then have nothing to report...

R

[Senses On]

For the most part, the rashes go away when the students leave school.

I would look for an allergic reaction to something that has been brought into the schools from a common source -- paper materials, new furniture, new carpets, surplus food, etc.

If I were an investigator I would be looking at all the purchasing/receiving records pertaining to this school year and find out what single item had been delivered to each of these schools.

[mutter]

just began listening to this program so can`t say just what is said yet, but sounds like it is possibly linked to this 'rash' problem....Joyce Riley on Radio Liberty
the 2-18 program

http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/r...y/Archives.asp

title "Anthrax-Smallpox-and Dermatitis"

edited to add: yep, at about 17 mins into the program she begins to talk about this 'rash' in the schools in america now.....hmmm.

[xtreme_right]

I still don't see how they are considering it might be a new, unidentified virus if the kids seem to only be affected at school.

XR

[Marsha]

It's here in central Illinois. They seem to be really down playing it -- don't worry -- treat it and it will go away.

[5 gallon bucket]

Marsha,

Is it in schools or is it affecting the general population?

[Marsha]

It was in the school population. The news came on a couple days ago at 6:00 and I was groggy. My 5 year old has 9 kids out with chicken pox now, so I perked up. They went on to explain how it got it's name of Fifth's Disease and what the actual names of the first four were. ( I can't remember those) -- but definitely children.

[inspirations]

Just wondering, Marsha. Are those nine kids the same ones that had the rash earlier?

[Redeye]

Under Fair Use from <a href="http://www.physicianschat.org">Physicians Chat.org</a>.
See also <a href="http://sg.dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Fifth_s_Disease/">Yahoo: Health > Diseases and Conditions > Fifth's Disease</a> for more links.
Hmmm...maybe nothing, but parvoviruses are members of the same family of viruses spoken to in the <a href="http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22501">unusual viruses</a> thread article (per the links' contents).
R

<b>In assistance to The Great Physician</b>

Donald W. Rumbaugh, MD, DABFP Medical Director

<center><h4>FIFTH'S DISEASE (Erythema Infectiosum)</h4></center>

<u>Fifth's disease is an infection that is caused by the Parvo B19 virus</u>. It was so named because it was the fifth major childhood skin rash that was seen regularly(behind scarlet fever, measles and rubella...there is no fourth). It tends to occur in epidemics, often in the late winter to early spring. Children 4-7 years old are the most common target, but the virus can affect adults. In adults, it can cause arthritis-like symptoms, and can adversely affect the baby in a pregnant mother's womb(hydrops). Immunocompromised people can develop anemia upon exposure to Parvo B19.

Fifth's disease often begins with headache and malaise(feeling yucky). A slapped-face appearance then appears on the face and spreads to the extremities and trunk. As it fades it leaves a lacy appearance on the extremities. The patient usually feels better as the rash appears. It may recur over the next 7-10 days, often after exposure to sunlight or a warm bath. By the time the rash appears, the child is no longer contagious.

The virus is spread through respiratory droplets, much like the common cold. Symptoms occur 4-28 (usually about 10) days after exposure. Since the infectious period is over by the time the rash occurs and the diagnosis is made, it is not practical to try to keep the infected person away from others. It is, however, valuable to contact immuno-compromised and pregnant people who have been exposed to the infected person.

Blood tests can be helpful, but because of their expensive, are usually limited to difficult cases and exposures to pregnant and immuno-suppressed patients. IgM levels rise by 3 days, IgG by 3 weeks, and PCR tests are available.


<b>From <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/parvovirus/B19.htm"></a>The CDC:</b>

<center><h4>Fifth Disease</h4></center>

What is "fifth disease?"

Fifth disease is a mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. An ill child may have a low-grade fever, malaise, or a "cold" a few days before the rash breaks out. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days.

What causes fifth disease?

Fifth disease is caused by infection with human parvovirus B19. This virus infects only humans. Pet dogs or cats may be immunized against "parvovirus," but these are animal parvoviruses that do not infect humans. Therefore, a child cannot "catch" parvovirus from a pet dog or cat, and a pet cat or dog cannot catch human parvovirus B19 from an ill child.

Can adults get fifth disease?

Yes, they can. An adult who is not immune can be infected with parvovirus B19 and either have no symptoms or develop the typical rash of fifth disease, joint pain or swelling, or both. Usually, joints on both sides of the body are affected. The joints most frequently affected are the hands, wrists, and knees. The joint pain and swelling usually resolve in a week or two, but they may last several months. About 50% of adults, however, have been previously infected with parvovirus B19, have developed immunity to the virus, and cannot get fifth disease.

Is fifth disease contagious?

Yes. A person infected with parvovirus B19 is contagious during the early part of the illness, before the rash appears. By the time a child has the characteristic "slapped cheek" rash of fifth disease, for example, he or she is probably no longer contagious and may return to school or child care center. This contagious period is different than that for many other rash illnesses, such as measles, for which the child is contagious while he or she has the rash.

How does someone get infected with parvovirus B19?

Parvovirus B19 has been found in the respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) of infected persons before the onset of rash, when they appear to "just have a cold." The virus is probably spread from person to person by direct contact with those secretions, such as sharing drinking cups or utensils. In a household, as many as 50% of susceptible persons exposed to a family member who has fifth disease may become infected. During school outbreaks, 10% to 60% of students may get fifth disease.

How soon after infection with parvovirus B19 does a person become ill?

A susceptible person usually becomes ill 4 to 14 days after being infected with the virus, but may become ill for as long as 20 days after infection.

Does everyone who is infected with parvovirus B19 become ill?

No. During outbreaks of fifth disease, about 20% of adults and children who are infected with parvovirus B19 do not develop any symptoms. Furthermore, other persons infected with the virus will have a non-specific illness that is not characteristic of fifth disease. Persons infected with the virus, however, do develop lasting immunity that protects them against infection in the future.

How is fifth disease diagnosed?

A physician can often diagnose fifth disease by seeing the typical rash during a physical examination. In cases in which it is important to confirm the diagnosis, a blood test may be done to look for antibodies to parvovirus. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to parvovirus B19 and other germs. If immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to parvovirus B19 is detected, the test result suggests that the person has had a recent infection.

Is fifth disease serious?

Fifth disease is usually a mild illness that resolves on its own among children and adults who are otherwise healthy. Joint pain and swelling in adults usually resolve without long-term disability.

Parvovirus B19 infection may cause a serious illness in persons with sickle-cell disease or similar types of chronic anemia. In such persons, parvovirus B19 can cause an acute, severe anemia. The ill person may be pale, weak, and tired, and should see his or her physician for treatment. (The typical rash of fifth disease is rarely seen in these persons.) Once the infection is controlled, the anemia resolves. Furthermore, persons who have problems with their immune systems may also develop a chronic anemia with parvovirus B19 infection that requires medical treatment. People who have leukemia or cancer, who are born with immune deficiencies, who have received an organ transplant, or who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are at risk for serious illness due to parvovirus B19 infection.

Occasionally, serious complications may develop from parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy. For details, please see the CDC information sheet entitled, "Parvovirus B19 Infection and Pregnancy."

How are parvovirus B19 infections treated?

Treatment of symptoms such as fever, pain, or itching is usually all that is needed for fifth disease. Adults with joint pain and swelling may need to rest, restrict their activities, and take medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms. The few people who have severe anemia caused by parvovirus B19 infection may need to be hospitalized and receive blood transfusions. Persons with immune problems may need special medical care, including treatment with immune globulin (antibodies), to help their bodies get rid of the infection.

Can parvovirus B19 infection be prevented?

There is no vaccine or medicine that prevents parvovirus B19 infection. Frequent handwashing is recommended as a practical and probably effective method to decrease the chance of becoming infected. Excluding persons with fifth disease from work, child care centers, or schools is not likely to prevent the spread of the virus, since people are contagious before they develop the rash.

For further information, contact the Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases, at 404-639-3607 (telephone) or 404-639-4960 (facsimile).

[Shock Wave Rider]

Hey, how about this little diabolical idea....

Remember they were touting the fact that they were going to put vaccines in bananas and strawberries, etc...

Well, how about an experiment in the lunch room of these schools???

Could be a vaccine reaction...

The mystery is that is disappears when they go home... Can't be a pathenogenic type organism...

Sounds to me like more experimentation and the fact that they never know what it is is bullshit.

[Marsha]

Inspirations, I don't know if the 9 kids out were confirmed chicken pox or fifth's disease. I was told by the teacher that 9 kids were out with with chicken pox and one with chicken pox in another class. My kid was complaining of a headache...(I'm getting paranoid); didn't see any rash. Took her to the doctor two days ago, she has bronchitis and he made an appointment for her to get a chicken pox shot in 10 days. Doctor said she had to be well before the shot. I think I would rather have her get the chicken pox and get it over with. I got chicken pox as an adult and it was awful. I may just cancel the appointment, but I'm watching her. She was itching a lot, hmmm.

[expose']

This rash outbreak started months ago in various states?
And the CDC is just NOW investigating???

to reiterate...it is NOT Fifth's disease nor is it Chicken Pox.

So much for our nations fast response in the event of bioterrorism...Instead - they release tons of mis-information about the rash...ie; Fifth's, Chicken Pox,Allergic reactions to dust,..etc.on the front page of the newspaper...then quietly recant a couple of days later in a small easily missed area of the paper...admitting that they do not know what is causing the rash...


Just so we keep our little children going to school....and keep working at our jobs to keep the economy going

[gisgaia]

RASH REPORT FROM WEST FORT WORTH:

I was at Garage Sale yesterday & 4th grade boy there was home "sick" - had woke up that morning covered in massive RASH all over his body from scalp to toes, evey surface covered including palms & soles of feet.

The story his Mom told me is that he had the mystery viral "FLU" illness beginning around Jan 20th week and has been sickly ever since... that he is healthy boy that never gets sick. Illness started last week of January w/ Respiratory Symptoms and very High Fever etc - saw his Dr who said it was "Flu bug" that is going around + missed 3-4 days school.

PHASE II: Then he recoverd enough to go back school start of following week but then started getting ill again, this time with severe chest congestion, cough and sore throat. Missed more school & went back to Dr who thought it was likely secondary infection w/ Strep and put him on Augmentin.

PHASE III: He improved after missing couple days of school that week and returned to finish that week. During the following week (was Weds ? last week) he again started running low fever and feeling sick w/ Resp symptoms returning. Saw Dr again, (trip # 3 in 3 weeks) and now he also had ear infection and since Augmentin was finished, was prescribed Amoxicllin that they started on Friday, Feb l5th. He went to school as usual this week, still not well but no fever or acute symptoms, lots of coughing tho.

PHASE IV: Thursday of this week, he came home feeling sick again and cough increased. Not sure if he had fever - don't remember. Anyway, he woke up with this RASH all over and did NOT feel well. The Doctor had been called & were waiting to hear back to take him in.

The mother said he has been on both Augmentin and Amoxicillin in past, quite often as young child, never had any allergic reactions to anything... meds, foods - nothing! The boy had all immunizations as required and no significant medical hx.

DESCRIPTION OF RASH:
Were separate flat reddish macules of various sizes scattered all over body - coverage heavy. Macules had identifiable borders, some areas of so diffuse as gave patchy appearance. Lesions were present all over scalp, ears, face, arms & trunk. Reported to be same on genitals, legs, feet. Soles and Palms had lesions also. Observed few very small papules forming with slightly raised pustule. Tissue surrounding macules was unblemished without redness. No itching or burning reported when child questioned.

This did NOT look like the rashes I have seen (and seen plenty working in the Children's ER). Am familiar with rashes of Fifth's Disease with the faint slapped appearance, Scarlet Fever (fine pinpoint lesions, so dense feels rough like sandpaper), Chicken Pox/Shingles like Mosquito bites, Hives with the large welts, the spreading rash of Measles, scaling rash of Psoriasis, Eczema.

Gut feeling looking at him was all sorts of ALARMS, BELLS & WHISTLES ere going off in my brain... a big UH-OH, here we go... the mystery rash is hitting us here too.

Betting $ that the Doctor office claims this is allergic Reaction to the Antibiotic and gives him steroids, Benadryl, etc. They don't have the time or incentive to mess with trying to find real cause. BUT, it doesn't make sense for this type of Rash to break out due to the Amoxicillin after having already been on it for the past 7 days and history of no reactions in past.

I don't think it hasn't clicked yet in the minds of most folks that we are in WAR here in our own land, that the weapons being used are invisible. The mindset our Healthcare system is that these things can't & won't happen here with all our modern technology. We are in deep doo-doo, IMHO.

PS - This site has l00's of RASH IMAGES:
http://www.dermis.net/index_e.htm

================
This is pretty heavy-duty stuff but with the Chemtrails spraying & other weird things going on, especially the unexplained illnesses & rashes, it makes me wonder. This is from thread copied on Rumor Mill. It is a early l990's Interview with Val Valerian in 3 Parts and there is a section talking about some sort of AMOEBA CLOUD from outer Space that is swarming over the poles.

ORION TECHNOLOGY & OTHER SECRET PROJECTS
Posted By: WINTER / Wed 6 June 2001
http://www.rumormillnews.net/cgi-bin...g.pl?read=9661

SNIP: FAIR USE CITED
Q> What's going on in Washington right now?
---They are up to their eyeballs in problems. They consider the thing with Hussein in the Middle East as the least of their concerns.

Q> What are they concerned with?
---They are concerned with AIDS and other, disease problems which are coming to earth from space. There are currently two huge clouds of amoeba-like creatures over the Polar Regions of the earth. These have shown up periodically over the last ten years. NASA is working on this. Every time they've been detected, all kinds of strange illnesses break out.

They don't how they can stay alive and be in outer space. They're very concerned about that

Q> What kind of disturbances have appeared with each appearance of these amoeba-like clouds?
---Respiratory disturbances. It's been detected in the New York area and on the West Coast. Details are scant, but they consider it a major problem. It affects the human system directly. It is also the mechanism behind the influenza attacks in 1916 and 1917 that killed so many people.

Q> Is it possible that the ozone layer was deliberately affected to allow this influence to come through?
---I don't know. The greenhouse affect is taking hold because of it.

Prayers & Blessings - Rhonda

[Wise Owl]

Listening right now to Joyce Riley who has Dr. Cass Ingram on. He said this rash is due to molds and fungus infections. He reccomends taking either oil of oregano or oregacin oil or capsules. The oil of orgeano is pure and the oregacin is the distilled version with more spices in it that is kinda cininmony smelling. Oregano is a known killer of mold, mildew and fugal infections plus will kill viruses. He says you can get about 500 drops of oregacin for about 60$. Enough for a single person for about 5 months of daily doseage if needed. He said it is made from 5 spices and made for respiratory ailments. One capsule a day is a great cure for most respiratory conditions. He uses oil of oregano, oregamax and the oregacin daily. Said it even knocked out a case of food poison.
I keep hearing more and more good things about oregano. It has to be the Greek mountain oregano however. It has the most potent qualities of the various species .

Just thought I would pass this on. I don't know what day this was on. If you go to m2ktalk.com and check out the Power Hour archives you should be able to find the day Dr. Ingram was on.

Going down country tomorrow and planned on hitting the nat health store. Gonna check out what they have in stock and what they can order for me. Never hurts. Also I think I am going to see if I can find some of those seeds. Living in the mountains we should be able to grow it up here .

[duchess47]

I think Senses On might be on to something. If in general the rash is occuring only in schools, officials may want to look to new books that have come in this year.

I say that because one of the women that works with me developed a rash on her body and arm, and was out sick a good part of the week with flu like symptoms.

We work in a library and I haven't heard of it hitting anyone here yet, nor is it in the school system. Therefore, if it is this mysterious rash it didn't come in with the public. About the only other way it could have come in is with books.

[5 gallon bucket]

D47,

You may have hit the nail on the head. Remember when a lot of Islamic books were donated to schools? Hmmm

[TECH32]

Here's the link to the thread on the book donations.

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showt...am+School+Book

-TECH32-

[CrystalWaters]

Another story from yesterday.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/katu/...akingnews.html

Mystery rash closes school indefinitely
Monday, February 25, 2002

SHERIDAN - The mystery rash plaguing students and staff at Sheridan's Chapman Elementary School returned Monday, sending students home and closing the school indefinitely.

Many students walked home, others were bussed home at approximately 1:30 p.m. today.

Apparently, although in some cases the rash subsided after the students went home for the weekend, many of those same students experienced a rash flare-up upon returning to classes.

The Health Department and a hazardous materials crew will conduct environmental tests in an effort to determine the origin.

The cause of the rash remains baffling because investigators have been unable to pinpoint any common thread linking the cases.

Eighty percent of the cases have affected female students.

The school had reopened earlier today.

The school was closed Friday after 58 elementary students and four adults reported the rash on their arms and legs a day earlier. Earlier this month, 55 children and ten adults reported what appeared to be a similar rash in Medford.

Health officials are trying to figure out whether there's a link between the two rash outbreaks, as well as whether the rashes are related to outbreaks reported in Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.

[LudicCat]

CNN article...Update 28 Feb 02

http://www.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/02/28...ash/index.html

Additional previous threads...

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showt...=school+rashes

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showt...=school+rashes

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showt...=school+rashes

[blueridge]

freemen -- Your suggestion [first (mild/harmless) disease used to set up susceptibility to second (fatal?) disease] is really scary! Any links to sites detailing this?

The Islamic terrorists are our lifelong sworn enemies - they will never give up their cause/agenda. The real danger is if the creeps are able to convince the Arab masses to fully side with - and participate in their cause.

[Lurkess]

I could be wrong, but I believe I heard the following during the first hour of Art Bell last night. His subject was chemtrails, and Will Thomas was his guest.

However, what got my immediate attention was that during the first hour of the program before his guest came on, Art read an e-mail from someone who I believe he said was in health care.

From what I recall, the lady said in the e-mail that she knew someone who broke out in a rash on his chest. (Believe it was a he.) He went to the hospital and was treated with various drugs. Nothing seemed to be working, and the rash spread to his back and was bleeding. He died about two weeks after he got the rash.

Hope I got the details right. It was kinda late last night, and I do not have a membership to Art's service.

Maybe someone could verify this or add more details.

Lurkess

P.S. I broke out in a rash on my midriff about a week or so ago. It finally healed, but now my back itches a little from time to time. I have very sensitive skin. I have started a new med and one of the side effects of this drug is a rash. (Finally looked at the insert after I'd been on it for a week or two. However, I've never had such a reaction from a drug before.) Just hope I haven't caught this goofy rash. As I posted above, it is in our area now too. However, I'm not around any kids.

[Marsha]

Just got a phone call from my husband this morning and his buddy at work called in sick; told him he's covered with rash everywhere, itching like crazy, going to the doctor today. My hubby is not really a "get it" kind of person, or maybe he purposefully puts his head in the sand to wait and see what's gonna hit. Anyway, I had been telling him about this so-called 5th's Disease story and I'm ususally up listening to Art Bell for a half-hour or so where they have been talking about it. Lurkess, I missed that episode you were talking about and I really wanted to hear it; but usually somebody has been emailing Art practically every night with this CDC stuff. Hmmmm. Anyway, that phone call got my husband's attention when his friend called in. His friend has a 6 year old daughter, wonder if she was affected too, or is it just something going around the plant...

Talked with a lawyer about this "rash" this morning, he said it's rampant in Springfield. Yet everyone is so calm, ya know.

[alchemike]

doesn't say shite...

o)<

mike

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5108a1.htm

Rashes Among Schoolchildren --- 14 States, October 4,
2001--February 27, 2002

Fourteen states (Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas,
Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia) have reported investigations of multiple schoolchildren who have developed rashes. This
report summarizes the investigation by state and local health departments of these rashes, which have occurred during October
2001 through February 2002, and provides examples for four states. Preliminary findings indicate that further investigation is needed
to determine whether a common etiology for these rashes exists.

UNITED STATES

The first reported incident occurred October 4, 2001, in Indiana, followed by cases in Virginia that began November 20. Subsequent
cases of rashes began in late January and occurred as recently as February 21. Rashes have been reported primarily from
elementary schools but also among students in a few middle and high schools. The number of affected students in each state
ranges from <10 to approximately 600. A few teachers and school staff have been affected, but rarely parents or siblings.

Characteristics of the rashes vary, but onset has generally been acute, typically with maculopapular erythematous
lesions---possibly in a reticulated pattern---on the face, neck, hands, or arms; duration of the rash varied but in most reports it was
highly pruritic. The rashes were not attributed to a defined environmental exposure or infectious agent. Children with rashes were
afebrile and usually had no other associated signs or symptoms. The rashes lasted from a few hours to 2 weeks and appeared to
be self-limiting. Secondary transmission has not been reported, but in-school "sympathy" cases have reportedly occurred.
Diagnoses by clinicians who have examined children have included viral exanthem, contact or atopic dermatitis, eczema, chemical
exposure, impetigo, and poison ivy. Approximately 40 serum samples collected in four states have been PCR or IgM negative for
parvovirus B19 (1); 22 nasal swab samples have been negative for enterovirus. Environmental assessments have not identified
environmental causes.

CASE REPORTS

Indiana. During October 4--November 2, 2001, rashes appeared among 18 third-grade students in an elementary school of 390
students; one substitute teacher also developed rash. No rashes among family members were reported. The rash most often began
on the face, then spread to the upper extremities; most rashes occurred on exposed skin. Clinical signs---including reddish
welt-type itchy rash on face and upper extremities, swollen eyes, and smooth pink cheeks---degrees of coloration, and prominence
of rash varied among the children. Diagnoses in the few children examined by family physicians varied and included contact
dermatitis, chemical exposure, impetigo, and poison ivy. Because parvovirus B19 infection was diagnosed in one third-grade student
on August 30, 2001, the Indiana State Department of Health collected serum specimens from four students with rashes to assess
whether they had parvovirus B19 infection. All specimens tested negative for the presence of IgM antibodies. Laboratory data
analysis, interviews, a building survey, and examination of the children did not identify a cause for the rashes.

Pennsylvania. The initial report of rash occurred on January 31, 2002, among 54 elementary school students who had contact
dermatitis diagnosed by a local health-care provider. To date, approximately 575 cases of rashes have been reported to the
Pennsylvania Department of Health; 58 schools and child-care centers have reported cases (range: one--168 cases per facility).
Most cases are in elementary and middle school students, with female cases outnumbering males. The rash has been
characterized as bright-red, itchy or burning, and macular, occasionally with an urticarial or papular component. The rash may be
evanescent, or remain for as long as 2 weeks; recurrent cases have been reported. There have been no other associated
symptoms. Among the 54 students reported initially, serologies for parvovirus B19 were drawn on 13 cases; all were negative for
IgM. PCR for parvovirus B19 was negative for 10 cases; results are pending for the remainder. Another health-care provider reported
that results of nonserological (biopsy) specimens from his patients were consistent with viral exanthem. Environmental
investigations at five schools have not yet identified an environmental source of the rashes. These investigations have included
sampling for dust mite and cockroach allergens, solvents and cleaners, and fungal or bacterial culture growth. Air and surface
cultures are still pending.

Oregon. During February 2002, outbreaks of rashes of acute onset and short duration occurred among students in two Oregon
schools. Starting February 4, rashes were reported in 53 children and 11 adults in an elementary school of 589 students in
southwestern Oregon; 54 (84%) were female. The rash, which appeared on cheeks and arms, was itchy and had a sunburned
appearance but no systemic symptoms. A panel of dermatologists who examined 28 of the affected children reported that the rash
resembled fifth disease but that several characteristics were not compatible with that diagnosis. Testing for parvovirus in two
children was negative. Extensive questioning and environmental inspection did not uncover a source of the rash. Beginning February
21, rashes were reported by 84 children and seven adults in a middle school of 314 students in northwestern Oregon; 67 (74%)
affected persons were female. No known links existed between the two schools. Rashes were characterized in a variety of ways,
including eczema, and as a sunburned, itchy rash on face, arms, neck, and back; no other symptoms were reported. Tests for
parvovirus in six persons were negative. An environmental evaluation of the school found no explanation for the rash. In both
schools, rash improved in several children when they left school but recurred when they returned to school.

Connecticut. On February 20, the Connecticut Department of Public Health was notified of nine elementary schoolchildren with
rashes. On February 21, an additional 16 children were identified with a similar rash. The children, all fourth-graders, represented
four classrooms in a school of 253 students and 12 classrooms. The acute rash appeared on the trunk and extremities and was
characterized by erythema and pruritis. The children were afebrile and had no other symptoms. The illness lasted 24--72 hours. A
dermatologist who examined three children attributed the rashes to an allergic reaction to an environmental exposure. Rashes were
not reported among parents or siblings of affected children. The local health director and the state Environmental Epidemiology
Program are collaborating to identify potential environmental causes. The school was closed for 1 day to clean the classrooms,
check air-handling units, and replace air filters.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE

CDC is working with state and local health and education agencies in these investigations to determine if affected children within
and between schools have developed rash as a result of a common etiology. CDC is systematically compiling information about 1)
date of onset and duration of rash; 2) settings of and circumstances surrounding the rash's appearance; 3) the number, age, and
sex of affected persons; 4) the appearance and characteristics of the rash; 5) additional signs or symptoms, diagnoses, and
treatments; and 6) investigational methods used (e.g., interviews or questionnaires, biologic sampling, and environmental sampling).
To facilitate the collection of standardized information, CDC has developed and distributed to health departments a document with
suggested approaches for investigating reports of rashes among groups of schoolchildren. In addition, CDC requests that
dermatologists and other health-care providers who have examined affected children share their clinical observations, diagnoses,
and photographs with a CDC dermatologist (bdt1@cdc.gov). This information will help CDC assess whether affected children within
and between schools developed rash caused by a common etiology. Local health and school officials with information about rashes
among groups of schoolchildren in their jurisdiction are asked to report this information to their state health department.

Reported by: M Cartter, MD, P Mshar, Connecticut Dept of Public Health. H Messersmith, Indiana State Dept of Health,
Epidemiology Resource Center. K Southwick, MD, K Hedberg, MD, Oregon Health Div. Y Chilcoat, Jackson County Public Health
Dept, Medford, Oregon. N Nunley, J Hersh, MEd, K Nalluswami, MD, M Moll, MD, K Waller, MD, Pennsylvania Dept of Health,
Bureau of Epidemiology. R Moodispaugh, R Swiger, Harrison-Clarksburg Health Dept Clarksburg, West Virginia. C Rubin, DVM, Div
of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health; A Tepper, PhD, B Lushniak, MD, Div of
Surveillance, Hazard Evaluation, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; N Khetsuriani, MD, Div of
Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases; L Kolbe, PhD, Div of Adolescent and School Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; N Smith, MPH, EIS Officer, CDC.

Editorial Note:

With 53 million young people attending 117,000 schools each school day in the United States, it is expected that rashes from a
wide range of causes will be observed. Environmental factors or infectious agents can cause rashes among groups of school-aged
children. Rashes caused by infectious agents usually are preceded or accompanied by symptoms such as headache or fever.
However, in these reports, none of the children showed signs of systemic illness, and the rash appeared to be self-limiting.

Potential environmental causes of rashes include biologic contaminants (e.g., bacteria and fungi), chemical agents (e.g., cleaning
products and pesticide residues), physical agents (e.g., fiberglass), insects (e.g., biting flies and moths), and allergens (e.g., dust
mites) (2--4). If one of these environmental causes is suspected, appropriate environmental experts should be consulted.

The most commonly identified viral agent associated with rashes in school-aged children is parvovirus B19, which causes erythema
infectiosum (i.e., fifth disease). Fifth disease is a mild rash illness characterized by a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy
red rash on the trunk and limbs, which may itch; it usually resolves within 7--10 days. Low-grade fever, malaise, or upper respiratory
symptoms usually precede the rash. Other manifestations of parvovirus B19 infection include arthritis and arthralgia (especially in
adults), transient crisis of aplastic anemia (in persons with certain hematologic disorders such as sickle-cell anemia), neutropenia,
and thrombocytopenia. In pregnant women, parvovirus B19 infection may be associated with miscarriage or nonimmune hydrops
fetalis (1).

Public health response to rashes of unknown etiology involves an epidemiologic investigation that includes consultation with
facilities and maintenance staff familiar with the physical plant, examination of the rash by a dermatologist, and, when appropriate,
collection and analysis of biologic specimens. To date, reports from states do not document a common cause or demonstrate that
all children are experiencing the same rash. State and local health departments, in collaboration with CDC, continue to investigate
these and other reports of rashes among groups of schoolchildren.

Acknowledgements

This report is based on data contributed by C McRill, MD, K Komatsu, MPH, W Humble, MPH, Arizona Dept of Health Svcs; L
Sands, DO, MPH, Maricopa County Dept of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona. T Wegrzyn, MPH, J Hadler, MD, Connecticut Dept of
Public Health. S Wiersma, MD, Florida Dept of Health. P Blake, MD, S Lance-Parker, PhD, C Morin, MD, Georgia Dept of Human
Resources, Div of Public Health. R Teclaw, DVM, M Wilkinson, Indiana State Dept of Health. M Currier, MD, S Slavinski, DVM,
Mississippi Dept of Health. H Mackley, MPH, B Asante, MD, New York City Dept of Health. M Kohn, MD, E DeBess, DVM, L
Davidoff, MD, M Scott, M Heumann, MA, Oregon Health Div; G Stevens, V Barbour, MSN, J Baures, J Manwaring, B Thomas, G
Chakarun, Jackson County Public Health Dept, Medford; R Parlier, M Jaqua, M Breedlove, MBA, Yamhill County Health Dept,
McMinnville, Oregon. J Rankin, Jr., DVM, C Coventon, MD, Pennsylvania Dept of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology. F Sassano,
Bucks County Dept of Health, Doylestown; J Maher, MD, E Walls, Chester County Health Dept,Westchester; C Baysinger, M
Supplee, MS, Montgomery County Human Svcs Center, Norristown; J Jahre, MD, St. Luke's Hospital Network, Bethlehem; N
Sykes, MD, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. R Stroube, MD, E Barrett, DMD, S Jenkins, VMD, Virginia
Health Dept; J Florance MD, A Ansher MD, L Estrada MPH, B Bradshaw, Prince William Health Dept, Manassas, Virginia. J
Hofmann, MD, J Van Eenwyk, PhD, Washington Dept of Health. L Haddy, MA, D Bixler, MD, West Virginia Dept of Health and
Human Resources, Bur for Public Health; P Gordon, MD, Harrison-Clarksburg Health Dept Clarksburg, West Virginia. J Perdue,
Texas Dept of Health; and other state and local health and education departments and schools. A Henderson, PhD, Div of
Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health. A Adija, MD, K Griffith, MD, EIS officers,
CDC.

References

1.Brown KE. Human parvovirus B19 epidemiology and clinical manifestations. In: Anderson LJ, Young NS, eds. Human
parvovirus B19 (monographs in virology. vol 20). Basel, Switzerland: Karger 1997:42--60.
2.Environmental Protection Agency. Indoor air pollution: an introduction for health professionals. Washington, DC:
Environmental Protection Agency, 1994. Available at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.htm. Accessed February 2002.
3.CDC. Moth-associated dermatitis---Cozumel, Mexico. MMWR 1990;39:219--20.
4.CDC. Rash illness associated with gypsy moth caterpillars---Pennsylvania. MMWR 1982;31:169--70.

Use of trade names and commercial sources is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

References to non-CDC sites on the Internet are provided as a service to MMWR readers and do not constitute or imply endorsement of these organizations or
their programs by CDC or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CDC is not responsible for the content of pages found at these sites.


Disclaimer All MMWR HTML versions of articles are electronic conversions from ASCII text into HTML. This conversion may have resulted in character
translation or format errors in the HTML version. Users should not rely on this HTML document, but are referred to the electronic PDF version and/or the original
MMWR paper copy for the official text, figures, and tables. An original paper copy of this issue can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC 20402-9371; telephone: (202) 512-1800. Contact GPO for current prices.

**Questions or messages regarding errors in formatting should be addressed to mmwrq@cdc.gov.

Page converted: 2/28/2002