Chickenpox outbreak at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School

Seven Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School students have recently been diagnosed with chickenpox, which is enough to classify an outbreak at the school, according to the Guam Department of Education. 

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak in a school setting as having five or more cases diagnosed within a two month period at the same facility, Guam DOE said in a release.

Spokeswoman Isa Baza said the first case was reported on Oct. 18.

Guam DOE sent letters to parents on Friday informing them about the outbreak. Further information about virus and vaccinations were also provided, according to the release. 

Officials urged parents to read the letters sent Friday and respond to requests for updated shot records and consent forms.

Guam DOE is working with the Department of Public Health and Social Services and assessing students who aren't properly vaccinated and who may be susceptible to the virus.

Students who aren't vaccinated or not adequately vaccinated are excused from attending classes up to 21 days after the last case is identified, according to Guam DOE. 

During an outbreak in a school setting, students without evidence of chickenpox need two doses of vaccines, with the second dose given at least four weeks after the first dose, Guam DOE stated. 

Students vaccinated with a first or second dose during an outbreak can return to the school.

Parents who have questions should call the school at 632-5176 or the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control at 735-7143.

This article originally appeared on Pacific Daily News: Chickenpox outbreak at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School