MEASLES ALERT
TO:
School Staff
FROM:
Grey Bruce Health Unit
DATE:
February 11, 2015
RE:
Measles
There has been a recent increase in the number of cases of measles within the province. The
purpose of this memo is to remind School staff of their role in ensuring a safe environment for
students.
Public Health recommends immunization against measles. Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupil’s
Act (ISPA, 2014), requires that all children attending school be up to date with immunization against
the following designated diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, pertussis,
meningococcal disease and varicella (chicken pox – for children born in 2010 or later).
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease. Signs and symptoms of measles include: fever
≥38.3°C (oral), at least one of: cough, runny nose or conjunctivitis and/or a rash that covers the face,
trunk, arms and legs. Most cases of measles become apparent 10-14 days after contact with the virus
(with a range of 7-21 days). Death is estimated to occur in 1 to 2 of every 1000 cases of measles.
Public Health has reviewed immunization records for all Grey Bruce students. Letters have been sent
to students with incomplete immunization records this week (February 9-13, 2015). Students for
whom Public Health does not have up to date immunization record as of April 20, 2015, will receive a
school suspension order that is in effect for 20 days and/or until the records are updated. The
purpose of the ISPA is to ensure that schools remain a healthy place for all students.
School staff including teachers, office managers and janitorial staff is also recommended to consult
with their health care provider to determine if another dose of measles containing vaccine is
recommended.
All cases of reportable diseases, such as measles, must be reported to Public Health. Children and
staff with measles should be excluded for at least 4 days after the appearance of the rash. In the
event of a measles outbreak, all unimmunized children and staff will be excluded from school until
the outbreak has been declared over.
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like information to include in newsletters or
curriculum, please contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease Team or Infectious Disease Team at
Public Health (519-376-9420).
Thank you.
Working together for a healthier future for all.
101 17th Street East, Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 0A5 www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
519-376-9420
1-800-263-3456
Fax 519-376-0605