NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — An elementary school student in metro Atlanta tested positive for monkeypox, according to the district.
Newton County Schools said in a statement posted to their website that the student who tested positive attends Mansfield Elementary School. The Georgia Department of Public Health has not yet confirmed this case.
The district also said a second student is being tested at Flint Hill Elementary School.
"We’re not surprised to see more cases in women and in children," Dr. Audrey Arona said.
Dr. Audrey Arona with the Gwinnett Newton Rockdale County Public Health Department said she expected cases in kids because most monkeypox cases start at home with close skin-to-skin contact.
“It’s a rash that is very consistent with monkeypox, and if a parent were to see that on a child, you should contact your healthcare provider, and also look for symptoms like fever and lymph node swelling," Arona said.
The district is hosting a virtual meeting for families Wednesday night at 7 p.m. People can join the conversation here.
Both schools were cleaned on Tuesday and scheduled to open Wednesday, the statement below indicated:
Newton County School System was notified today that one student at Mansfield Elementary School has tested positive for monkeypox virus. In addition, a student at Flint Hill Elementary School is also currently being tested for monkeypox. School district officials notified parents at both schools via School Messenger call this afternoon, and parents of students considered to be close contacts in accordance with CDC criteria will receive separate communications advising them of next steps. Due to HIPPA and FERPA regulations, Newton County School System cannot release information on individual students.
NCSS facilities employees will thoroughly clean and disinfect classrooms and other areas at both schools this afternoon to ensure ongoing safe and healthy learning and work environments for students and staff. Both schools will be open tomorrow.
“We want parents to feel safe and secure sending their kids to school," school district spokeswoman Sherri Partee said.
The Gwinnett Newton Rockdale Public Health Department also issued this statement:
GNR Public Health works closely with the school systems in our district. We have been in contact with Newton County Schools and will continue to follow up and support their staff as the need for disease education rises. Parents of students considered to be close contacts in accordance with CDC criteria will receive communications from the school system advising them of next steps.
It is important to remember that monkeypox spreads primarily through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact such as direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox. Although less likely, it can also be spread through touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox or through contact with respiratory secretions from someone who is infected.
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