Chickenpox outbreak reported at Buncombe school

ASHEVILLE - Buncombe school officials are notifying parents after five cases of chickenpox were reported at the Nesbitt Discovery Academy.

The school principal made an automated call to families Monday and school officials are sending out a letter Tuesday from Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, medical director for Buncombe County Health and Human Services.

In situations when at least five cases have been reported, state law and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allow schools to exclude students from school if they have not been vaccinated or have not had chickenpox already, according to David Thompson, director of student services for Buncombe County Schools.

“We’re pretty sure we will have no one in that situation,” Thompson said of the Discovery Academy students.

Chickenpox is highly contagious and causes a “blister-like rash,” according to the CDC website.

“Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems,” according to the website.

Buncombe County historically has had a higher number of vaccination exemptions among students compared to the rest of the state.

The letter encourages parents to have their children vaccinated. It also urges parents to keep students at home if they have symptoms of the illness.

The chickenpox cases at the Discovery Academy involve one teacher and four students, according to Thompson.