Mono Cases Pop Up at Benton Elementary

Bossier Schools confirm several cases of Mononucleosis at Benton Elementary School.

According to Schools Liaison Sonja Bailes, the district's director of nursing and the school's principal say there are four children absent because of Mono. Two of them are siblings and have been diagnosed by a physician. The parents of the other two say they have the illness. There are no excessive absences at Benton Elementary.

Here's more info from Bailes:

Our Director of Nursing has been in contact with this region's Infectious Disease section of the Office of Public Health/Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals as a precaution and a letter will be sent home this afternoon with Benton Elementary students to provide reassurance to parents.

 

In most cases of "Mono," specific treatment for the patient is rarely necessary, other than comfort care and rest. Since "Mono" is spread from person to person, avoiding close personal contact with an infected individual's saliva is advised. Practicing excellent hygienic practices can also help prevent transmission of the virus, which includes not sharing utensils, containers, food or beverages.

 

Benton Elementary continues to practice universal precautions of the same measures. The custodial staff has also increased efforts for sanitization of commonly shared surfaces.

CLICK HERE to find out symptoms of Mono.