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32 | Interviews with staff members were conducted. Staff stated that there were confirmed cases in the facility but there were additional children that were sent home under suspicion of possible Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Staff #1 (S1) states that confirmed cases did not reach the outbreak threshold of 10 cases, per LA County Department of Public Health. S1 added that a doctors note would be needed to return to facility. Staff #3 (S3) stated provided conflicting information, saying that doctors notes were not needed in order to return to school. S3 and Staff #4 shared that they were responsible for doing health checks in the morning for children. All staff corroborated that parents were notified, exposure notices were posted, and sanitation/cleaning was conducted. Some staff disclosed that there is shared space time during the morning in some classroom/bungalows due to staff numbers, including shared outdoor time.
Parent interviews all corroborated that they were notified of cases and possible exposure. Posted exposure notices and messages sent to them were provided. Parent #3-5 shared that their understanding is that cleaning/sanitizing is being conducted following possible exposures.
LPA reviewed the confirmed cases listed. There were 7 confirmed cases at the facility starting from 10/06/2025 and last confirmed 10/26/2025. There were never more than 4 confirmed cases at one time during a seven day span. LPA received a list of 27 instances of children being sent home for various symptoms, some of which were possible HFMD symptoms. Facility was able to provide 21 doctors notes that were permitting children to return by a given date. Dates on the doctors notes were verified and coincide with the dates listed on the instances. Most of the notes did include statements ruling out HFMD. A print out of the LA County Dept of Public Health manual of communicable diseases was reviewed. The entry does include that "outbreaks are defined as incidence of 10 or more confirmed and/or probable cases (individuals with symptoms consistent with infection) occurring within 3 to 5 days" and that they are linked by a common exposure/classroom/group.
Based on the information above, there is a conflicting understanding of facility protocols for communicable diseases. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated.
No citations are being provided during today's inspection. An Advisory Note: Technical Assistance is being provided to facility to assist in future instances.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Facility Representative Vinia Casuga, at 10:50pm. Copy of Report provided.
END OF REPORT PAGE 2 of 2
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