NISSWA -- A higher than usual number of Nisswa Elementary School students may have chicken pox.

Erin Suemnick, principal at the school, said 29 families have reported that their child has visible signs of chicken pox. Suemnick said in a letter to parents dated Tuesday: "Many of the Nisswa families are already aware of the unusual number of students that are at home already with chicken pox."

Also in the letter, Suemnick wrote that the Brainerd Medical Center is interested in the inordinate number of chicken pox cases at the school. The medical center reported many of the children have already had the chicken pox vaccine.

A questionnaire was developed to ask parents whether their children have been affected with chicken pox; if their child has had the immunization; or if the child has already been infected with chicken pox.

Suemnick said she encourages families to call their doctor if they have any questions regarding their child's condition.