IDAHO HEALTH ALERT NETWORK


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Message ID:   1674      Public Message
Subject:   MEASLES INFORMATION FOR CHILDCARE AND SCHOOLS
Sent By:   PHD4 Date Sent:   1/31/2019 9:59:37 AM
Priority:   Advisory Status:   Sent (Pending)
PHIN Specific Data:
Severity:   Minor Delivery Time:   15 Minutes
PHIN Status:   Actual Message Type:   Alert
Sensitivity:   Non Sensitive Acknowledgement:   No
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Message Text:

HEALTH ALERT NETWORK

MEASLES INFORMATION FOR CHILDCARE AND SCHOOLS

Central District Health Department Asks Schools and Childcare Facilities to Prepare for Possible Measles Cases

January 31, 2019

Central District Health Department (CDHD) encourages school and childcare staff to review measles exclusion policies and communication protocols in the event measles is diagnosed in their facility.

At this time, there are no reported cases of measles in Idaho; however, there are ongoing measles outbreaks in Washington and New York. As of January 30, Clark County Washington reports 38 cases and New York reports 64 cases.

The measles virus is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, sore throat, and a rash that spreads all over the body. Measles infection can also lead to secondary illnesses such as pneumonia or swelling of the brain, which can cause death.

It is recommended that the first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine be given at age 12 through 15 months and the second dose given at age 4 through 6 years. The measles vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is 93% effective.

Immunization Records and Measles Exclusions

In Idaho, schools and childcare providers are required to keep copies of their attendees’ immunization record or a vaccine exemption form. Schools, childcare providers and public health agencies have the authority to exclude pupils with certain diseases as well as non-immune children. Exclusions must occur when:

-a child who attends a school or licensed childcare is diagnosed with measles,

-a case of measles occurs in a childcare or school and a child does not have evidence of immunity (Under this scenario, a susceptible child will be excluded for 21 days after the last case of measles in the facility.)

Evidence of immunity to measles: A child is considered susceptible to measles unless the child has at least one of the following:

-documentation of up to date MMR vaccine (Children 12 months to pre-kindergarten should have one dose and schoolchildren kindergarten through grade 12 should have two doses.)

-documentation of immunity to measles (a blood test result that is positive for measles immunity)

-laboratory confirmation of prior measles disease

Be Prepared For a Case of Measles

Before a case of measles is reported in Idaho, CDHD encourages you to:

-review your records to identify which children would be excluded in the case of a reported measles infection in your facility

-communicate with parents about measles and exclusion policies

-identify any staff, faculty or volunteers working in your facility that might be susceptible to measles, and inform them that they may be at risk of disease if a case is diagnosed. They may wish to discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider. Exclusion of susceptible staff or volunteers in the event of a case of measles in a facility is recommended. Adults are considered susceptible if they do not have evidence of immunity. (At least one documented dose of MMR vaccine, documented laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of prior measles disease or birth before 1957.)

-develop or revise communication protocols to inform parents about exclusions if a case of measles occurs in your facility. (For example, keep email and phone lists current.) If there is a measles case in a school or childcare, CDHD usually provides the facility with a letter to parents, which is distributed through the facility’s normal communication channels.

For questions and additional information, please contact Central District Health Department Communicable Disease at (208) 327-8625.

Links to Idaho Code and Administrative Rule Concerning Immunizations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases:

Immunization Requirements: http://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/16/160215.pdf

Immunization Requirements for Children Attending Licensed Daycare Facilities in Idaho: https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/16/160211.pdf

Idaho Reportable Diseases: http://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/16/160210.pdf

Idaho Statutes: Immunizations

Schools: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title39/T39CH48/SECT39-4801/

Daycare: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title39/T39CH11/SECT39-1118/

Idaho Statute: School District Authorities

https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title33/T33CH5/SECT33-512/