Deer Park School District officials have confirmed cases of chickenpox and shingles at Deer Park Elementary School.

The students attended DPES during the first half of last week, but missed the second half. The students have siblings at other schools in the district and ride a school bus.

Symptoms of chickenpox (varicella) include fever, itchy skin (with blister rash and general feeling of illness.

The main symptom of singles is pain, which can be severe. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach. Very rarely, a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

The school district sent letters and a fact sheet to all parents outlining the illnesses.

The district also asked parents with additional questions to contact the Spokane Regional Health District at www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/diseases/varicella/default.htm or at 324-1600.