“You have been exposed by a student in your class who has been diagnosed with the Chickenpox Disease,” said nurse Marsha Jordin.

As principal Dr.Oesterle and nurse Jordin stood before the potentially contaminated group, students immediately started calling their parents.

“We have to bring in proof that we had the chickenpox or have had the shot,” said junior Austin Henderson as his class was interrupted during first hour for this announcement.

The line to the nurses office was overflowing into the administration office with students who had the documentation proving that they had either already contracted the virus or had previously been given the two necessary shots. Contaminants usually do not become aware of the severeness of their disease until 10-12 days after contracting the infection, when the rash actually occurs. The Mayo Clinic reported that after you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Sophomore Allegra Hoffman rode on the same bus as the anonymous student just once the previous week, but she also had to take these precautions.

“I was annoyed I have to get a shot because someone came to school sick,” said Hoffman.

Due to the short amount of time given to students to get the needed vaccine, parents and students were rushed to complete the needed safety measures. “My mom found the proof that I had it so I’m good now,” said Henderson

“My mom told me that she has to come get me now because there’s a shortage of shots,” said Hoffman.

Administration has not given an official statement about this outbreak. Nurse Jordin followed the said student’s schedule and alerted students who have not had their second Varicella (chickenpox) shot.

If students did not follow the said precautions by the morning of Oct. 15 they were considered to be in an incubation period for 21 days. The students couldn’t return to school during those days and were not allowed to attend school activities including sporting events and homecoming.

“I was thinking 21 days off sounds real nice,” said Henderson. Varicella, commonly known as Chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease that can be transmitted by touch to those who have not had their shot or have not previously had the disease. This viral infection is one whose side effects cause blister-like spots that are very itchy.

This is not an isolated incident in NWA. Fayetteville High School was alerted with this same issue as two students were diagnosed with this infection in the same day. Students were asked to take the same precautions by the State Health Department.