Mat-Su Borough School District Health Services Measles (Rubeola) Guidance
As we return from Spring Break, the health office wishes to share important information regarding health risks associated with recent viral outbreaks.
There has been a concerning increase in measles worldwide. Historically, these outbreaks were predominantly confined to developing countries; however, a decline in vaccination rates in recent years has facilitated their resurgence. It is essential for our community to be aware of the symptoms related to measles infections.
· Measles symptoms begin to show 7-14 days after infection and typically begin with:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
· These initial symptoms are followed by:
- Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
- A red, blotchy rash that breaks out over most of the body 3-5 days after symptoms begin.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications. If one person has measles, up to nine out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.
To safeguard the health of our students and faculty, do not send your child to school and call your health care provider immediately if you think your child might have measles. Any student suspected of measles or exhibiting a rash at school who is not current with state-recommended vaccinations will be advised to seek guidance from their healthcare provider for further assessment and treatment recommendations.
For further education and guidance on measles, we encourage you to visit the below resources:
Thank you for your attention to this critical health matter.
