With news of the measles outbreak in Texas, parents have reached out to campus nurses with questions. The purpose of this message is to provide information and resources to parents who have questions or concerns about protecting their child from measles.
What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus with the potential for severe illness. Signs and symptoms include
- Fever: Usually high (over 101°F)
- Cough: Persistent and dry
- Runny nose: Copious and watery
- Red, watery eyes: Conjunctivitis
- Sore throat: May be painful and hoarse
- Rash: Starts as red, flat spots on the face that spread to the rest of the body, including the arms, legs, and feet. The rash typically appears 3-5 days after the onset of fever and lasts for 4-7 days.
How is it transmitted?It is transmitted by contact with infectious droplets or spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours after an ill person has left an area.
What can I do? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which consists of two doses. The vaccine is very effective; two doses of measles vaccine are 97 percent effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. Parents are encouraged to contact their health care provider with questions about the MMR vaccine. Unless your student has a medical waiver or waiver of conscience for immunizations, they will have had the full 2-dose series prior to enrollment, per the state of Texas requirements.
What should I do for a suspected or confirmed case of measles? Consult your health care professional. People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from child care, school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset.
How can I access my child's school immunization records? Parents may access their child's school immunization records by contacting their pediatrician or school nurse.
What is the state law requiring exclusion in the school setting? Per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, if a student in your school develops measles, all students who are not in compliance with the MMR requirements, even if they have a medical or religious exemption, should receive a dose of MMR vaccine from a provider to not be excluded from school. If they receive it within 72 hours after their initial exposure to the person with measles, they may remain in school. Otherwise, they must be excluded from school through 21 days after their most recent exposure,
If my child has updated vaccinations, who should I notify? Updated vaccination information should be shared with the school nurse. As a reminder, individual student vaccination records are confidential.
Where can I get more information?
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination | CDC
Communicable Disease Chart for Schools and Childcare.
Additionally, you can reach out to your campus nurse with questions.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep your students and staff healthy and safe!