Birds in the United States can get sick with avian flu (also called H5N1 bird flu or avian influenza). But can it affect your family? This resource helps parents and early learning professionals understand what bird flu is, how it spreads, and how to reduce the risk of exposure. What you'll learn:

• What causes bird flu

• Whether bird flu is spreading in the United States

• If bird flu only affects birds or can impact people

• How bird flu can spread from animals to humans

• Symptoms of bird flu in people

• Whether seasonal flu vaccines offer protection

• Food safety considerations (chicken, dairy, and eggs)

• Guidance on eggs from backyard chickens

See the article from HealthyChildren.org here.

Key Takeaways for Families & Educators: Public health experts continue to closely monitor bird flu activity. While the risk to the general public remains low, it’s important to practice everyday prevention strategies—especially for children who may come into contact with birds.

• Ensure children wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with birds or bird droppings

• Supervise children around birds

• Remind children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth while handling birds

• Do not allow children to touch, handle, or move sick or dead birds

• Report sick or dead birds to appropriate local authorities

Birds can carry a variety of diseases, not just bird flu. Consistent hygiene and supervision are key to preventing illness in early learning environments and at home.

View current U.S. Outbreaks, International Outbreaks, International Travel Health Notices, and Outbreak Resources here from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Additional Resources:

• Current CDC Multistate Foodborne Outbreaks and notices

• CDC Health Alert Network (HAN): CDC’s primary method of sharing cleared information about urgent public health incidents with public information officers; federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local public health practitioners; clinicians; and public health laboratories.

December 2025:

• AAP COVID vaccination resources

• AAP pediatric COVID-19 vaccine dosing quick reference guide

• Information for parents on COVID vaccines from HealthyChildren.org

• Information for parents on flu vaccine from HealthyChildren.org

• AAP flu toolkit

Misinformation about head lice can lead to stigma, missed school or child care, and unnecessary treatments. Clear, evidence-based guidance helps families and educators respond appropriately while minimizing disruption. Head lice attach to hair that is clean or dirty, brush up on Head Lice Treatment Myths & Realities from the AAP's HealthyChildren.org website.

The Integrated Pest Management Toolkit for Early Care and Education Programs offers practical guidance to help child care providers prevent and manage pest problems using IPM strategies. It includes clear information, tools, and resources to support safer pest control practices and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. While it is designed to align with California’s Healthy Schools Act requirements, the strategies and resources are broadly applicable to child care settings in any state. Resources are in English and Spanish.

Watch Integrated Pest Management for Child Care Centers - A Video Series produced by the Growing Up Green Child Care IPM program at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The collection of 6 videos may be viewed sequentially at Integrated Pest Management for Child Care Centers: Videos 1-6 CONTINUOUS PLAY - YouTube (full video playlist) the videos show the process of integrated pest management (IPM). The videos show tools and practices filmed in real childcare centers.

Completely revised and updated, the new sixth edition of this award-winning quick reference guide provides the information you need to know about the prevention and management of infectious diseases in early childhood education settings, such as child care centers and schools. This edition includes pediatrician approved guidance on best practices with regard to COVID-19. Presented in an easy-to-use format, this must-have guide provides:

• Content from the premier American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sources of information on infectious diseases, Red Book® and Caring for Our Children

• Quick Reference Sheets on more than 55 common infectious diseases and symptoms that occur in children in educational settings, including COVID-19

• Clear-cut explanations on how infectious diseases spread

• Strategies for limiting the spread of infection

• When exclusion is and is not indicated

• New information on pandemic preparedness

• Ready-to-use sample letters and forms for parents or referrals

To order this book at the AAP bookstore:

Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, 6th Edition [Paperback]

Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, 6th Edition [eBook] 

Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, 6th Edition Paperback and eBook Package

Publication Date: March 20, 2023

April 2025: Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious health complications, especially for babies and young children. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated against measles is at risk. Severe measles can lead to hospitalization and even death. View the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Measles Fact Sheet (PDF), Measles Fact Sheet for Parents and Guardians (PDF), and Measles: Information to Prevent Spread in School and Child Care Settings (PDF).

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can be dangerous in babies and young children. The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. See this fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Preparing and Responding to Measles: Checklist for Early Care and Education Centers (PDF) and additional resources.

For more information: Be Ready for Measles Toolkit

Mosquito bites can spread illnesses such as West Nile Virus, which is present in PA each year. Young children are especially vulnerable during outdoor play in warmer months. Help prevent bites by eliminating standing water from toys, buckets, and planters where mosquitoes breed, using child-safe insect repellent when appropriate and following label instructions, and dressing children in lightweight long sleeves and pants when possible. It’s also best to limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk. Work with families on repellent permission and use policies. Simple steps can significantly reduce mosquito exposure and keep children safer outdoors. Review the AAP’s Insect Repellents Guidance here. 

Brush up on Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively from EPA.gov

"Norovirus is a common and very contagious virus. It causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Your symptoms may be similar to the stomach flu, but they have a different cause. Norovirus spreads easily through close contact or on contaminated food or surfaces. The illness runs its course in a few days." - Cleveland Clinic

Norovirus: What to Do If Your Child Catches This Contagious "Stomach Bug" 

From: American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Infectious Diseases - HealthyChildren.org

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral infection that can spread quickly in child care environments. RSV is more than “just a cold” (HealthyChildren.org) and can lead to more serious respiratory issues, especially in infants and young children (CDC). With the fall and winter seasons bringing an increase in RSV cases, it's crucial for child care providers to take proactive steps to reduce the spread (American Lung Assoc.). See PA’s Promise for Children’s "What You Should Know about RSV" and the included AAP video on Signs & Symptoms of RSV in Babies.

Your child has a stuffy nose, cough and fever. Is it the flu? COVID? Or are they symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? Learn the differences here: RSV, Flu & COVID: How Are These Respiratory Illnesses Different? from the AAP's site healthychildren.org

See the online (most recently updated) version of Caring for Our Children, 4th edition for the national standards related to cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces in child care settings: 

- Details about how to select a sanitizer and disinfectant are in Appendix J

- The table that lists Routine Schedule for Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting is in Appendix K

In Pennsylvania, many ticks carry diseases. It's important to take preventative measures at home and in your ECE program to avoid tick bites, know what to do if you find a tick, and understand the symptoms of tickborne diseases. See health.pa.gov/ticks to learn more about tick safety.

Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick related illness reported in PA. Other illnesses are also carried by ticks can be found on this one-page informative table (PDF) from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 

View TickLab.org for PA specific assistance in testing a tick, identifying a tick, and more. For more PA DOH guidance on tick testing visit Tick Identification and Testing Services. PA DOH does not offer tick identification or tick testing, but they offer a list of testing providers who do.

Pest infestations pose several risks to the health and safety of children, including:

• Disease transmission: Pests like cockroaches and rodents can carry and spread bacteria and pathogens, potentially contaminating food and surfaces, leading to foodborne illnesses

• Allergies and asthma: Exposure to pests like cockroaches and rodents can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals

• Bites and stings: Pests like ants and stinging insects (bees, wasps, hornets) can bite or sting children, causing pain, irritation, or potentially severe allergic reactions

• Damage to property: Rodents can chew through wires and other materials, potentially causing electrical fires or structural damage

PA regulations emphasize the importance of adopting and implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan in schools and child carefacilities. IPM focuses on using a combination of methods to control pests while minimizing risks to human health and the environment.

Synopsis of Regulations Relevant to Pest Management in Pennsylvania Schools