Representing over 1200 full and part-time teachers in the Guelph, Fergus
Orangeville, Shelburne, Mount Forest, Grand Valley, and Arthur area.

Upper Grand District School Board
Procedure for Fifth Disease

November 1, 2003

Pregnant employees who are not immune to Fifth Disease should not have direct contact with students who have Fifth Disease (during the active stages). A blood test will confirm immunity or susceptibility. Employees considering getting pregnant should consult with their Physician about having this test done prior to pregnancy, if possible, or early on during pregnancy.

Alternate work (either on or off site) will be provided for susceptible employees through the Workplace Early Intervention Program (WEIP) on an individual basis through consultation with the Disability Manager (822-4420 x 782, 783), the employee, and the Principal. An employee can return to her work location when it has been established that there have been no further cases of Fifth Disease for 20 days in the workplace or, when documentation of immunity is provided.

Procedure:

1. When a Principal becomes aware of a student testing positive for Fifth Disease, he/she should notify all staff members immediately and inform the Disability Manager at the Board.
2. Pregnant classroom employees who are not immune to Fifth Disease shall not have direct contact with students who have Fifth Disease (during the active stages). A staff member who is pregnant may request a modification of duties, if she believes she may be susceptible. To do so, she should contact the Disability Manager at the Board office after discussing it with her Principal. The Disability Manager will discuss each situation with the Principal to ensure the most appropriate work assignment for the employee. The employee may remain on site with medical approval, however, under some circumstances it may be necessary to move the employee to an alternate location, either on or off site.
3. An employee can return to the classroom when, for a period of 20 days, there have been no further cases of Fifth Disease or, when confirmation of immunity is provided.