Dear Parents

.

The hope, energy, and laughter that Terry generates when he's out on the campaign trail is contagious.

--Start of an e-mail message from the gubernatorial campaign of Terry McAuliffe.

. . .

We are writing to inform you of a health issue that has arisen in several schools throughout the Central Virginia area. A number of school systems in the region -- including Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, Powhatan, Goochland, and Chesterfield -- have reported cases of students coming down with a form of mild hysteria.

The condition, which is temporary and not serious, appears to be transmitted by an as-yet-undetermined airborne pathogen. At this time, approximately 141 students have been diagnosed with the condition. Please rest assured that all school divisions in the area, along with state and local health agencies, are coordinating efforts and using appropriate preventive measures to control the outbreak. All principals and administrative staff are receiving daily updates, and school nurses have been given appropriate guidance on treatment.

Because some of the symptoms of the new infection resemble symptoms of both ADHD and some forms of illicit drug use, diagnosis may be complicated. Parents should contact their family physician or local health authorities if their children exhibit any of the following symptoms: (1) prolonged manic activity; (2) loud, inappropriate laughter; (3) an inability to sit still for more than a few minutes; (4) fraternization with professional politicians; (5) suddenly cranking out policy position papers on controversial political subjects; (6) delusions of grandeur; (7) declaration of candidacy for high public office.

Although no definitive determination has been made at this time, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta suspect the contagion originated in the staff headquarters of the McAuliffe for Governor campaign. If your child has had contact with the candidate or his staff, please monitor your child for signs of infection, and consult your health care provider if symptoms appear.

Respectfully,

John B. Higginbotham Jr.,

Chairman,

Central Virginia School Boards Assn.