CCSD issues letter on measles

Dear CCSD Parents:

Media outlets throughout the area have been reporting on one possible (not yet confirmed) case of measles in a toddler in Churchill County.

At this time, the Nevada State Division of Health has informed us that there are no reported or suspected cases of measles in any child who attends school in Churchill County. The School District is working in coordination with the State Epidemiologist, monitoring the situation on an on-going basis. Below is some information about measles provided by the Nevada State Division of Health.

Measles “Fast Facts” for Parents and Staff:

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.

Measles typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes with a rash appearing approximately three to five days after symptoms begin.

Immunization with the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent a person from getting or spreading measles. One dose of measles vaccine is about 95% effective at preventing measles and two doses is about 99% effective.

Very few people—about three out of 100—who get two doses of the MMR vaccine will still get measles if exposed to the virus.

Fully vaccinated people who get measles are much more likely to have a milder illness, and they are also less likely to spread the disease to other people, including people who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have compromised immune systems.

We encourage you to check with your family health care provider about whether you or your children are up-to-date on their MMR and other vaccinations.

As with any virus, good personal hygiene is important to help prevent the spread of disease, including washing hands regularly, disposing of used tissues, and not sharing eating utensils or drinks.

Symptomatic people are advised to see their healthcare providers ASAP. To verify the vaccination status for the symptomatic individual and her/his family, you can visit the Nevada Immunization Registry at https://izrecord.nv.gov

If you or your child has symptoms of measles, please call and inform your health care provider that you will be coming in advance so that your healthcare provider can prepare for you to come into their facility and reduce possible transmission.

For more information please check the Division of Public and Behavioral Health website at http://health.nv.gov.

Thank you,

Stefanie Utz RN

Chief School Nurse