Important Health Update: Measles Information for Jefferson-Morgan Families

Dear Jefferson-Morgan Families,

We want to make our families aware of the recent increase in measles cases across Pennsylvania and share information about how Jefferson-Morgan School District is preparing to respond if a case occurs in our school community.

At this time, we do not have any active measles cases within Jefferson-Morgan School District.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that spreads through the air. Symptoms can include:

• High fever
 • Cough
 • Runny nose
 • Red or watery eyes
 • A rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward

If your child develops symptoms that could be consistent with measles, please keep your child home and contact your healthcare provider. Families should call their healthcare provider or urgent care facility before arriving so appropriate precautions can be taken.

If a suspected or confirmed case occurs within our schools, the district will work closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and follow all recommended procedures. This may include temporarily closing affected rooms or areas, identifying individuals who may have been exposed, reviewing vaccination records, and communicating directly with affected families.

Individuals with a confirmed case of measles must remain out of school through four days after the rash begins. The district will work with public health officials regarding the appropriate return date.

Families should also be aware that individuals who are not considered immune to measles will be required to remain home for up to 21 days following their last exposure to an infected individual. This includes students who are unvaccinated due to a medical, religious, or philosophical/strong moral or ethical exemption and who do not otherwise have documented proof of immunity. The Pennsylvania Department of Health will work with the district and affected families to determine who must be excluded and when they may safely return to school.

The MMR vaccine provides strong protection against measles. According to health officials, one dose is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are approximately 97% effective.

We encourage families to review their child's vaccination status and contact their healthcare provider with any questions regarding vaccination or immunity.

Again, there are currently no active measles cases within Jefferson-Morgan School District. We are sharing this information proactively so our families understand what to expect and so we can all be prepared should a case occur.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy school community.