BOARD OF EDUCATION
Alicia Cruz, President
Sarah Kirby-Gonzalez, Vice-President
Katie Villegas, Clerk
Mary Leland, Member
Norma Alcala, Member
SUPERINTENDENT
Dayton
Gilleland, Ed.D.
930 Westacre Road  West Sacramento, CA 95691  (916) 375-7600  Fax (916) 375-7619  www.wusd.k12.ca.us
February 11, 2015
Dear Parents,
There have been over 110 cases of measles so far in California in 2015, and a number of cases in other states. The
majority, but not all, is linked to travel to Disneyland in mid-December 2014, or due to contact with someone who
traveled to Disneyland.
Measles is extremely contagious. Infected people cough or sneeze and the droplets spread the virus. The virus can
remain in the air or on hard surfaces for up to 2 hours. Measles cause high fever, cough, runny nose, pink eyes and
then a whole body rash. Most people recover without incident, but some have serious complications including
pneumonia, brain infection, deafness, blindness, and even death. Measles is contagious from 4 days before rash to
4 days after rash develops. The incubation period is up to 21 days. Measles is prevented by a vaccine (MMR) that
is very safe and very effective. Two doses of MMR are more than 99% effective in preventing disease.
Your child HAS NOT been vaccinated for the measles. If there is an outbreak your child will be excluded for 21
days or longer in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
If you believe your son or daughter may have been exposed to the measles, please keep them
home and contact your health care provider for next steps as well as the school to inform them.
If a case of measles appears within our school community, students that have not received the
measles vaccine will be sent home (excluded) from school. Should you have additional
questions, please contact your health care provider.
Sincerely,
Mary DeMartino
Director of Special Services
WUSD Nurses
Leanne Thorpe, RN, MPH
Rhonda Franks, RN
Kerry Lindgren, RN
Janice Marston, RN