2014-2015 Measles Outbreak, School Resources Information
Department of Public Health
Los Angeles County Office of Education
February 10, 2015
Dear Parent/Guardian:
California is experiencing a large measles outbreak that was triggered by an exposure of measles at the Disneyland Parks in December 2014. A number of Los Angeles County residents have developed measles and more cases will likely occur among those who have had contact with people who were infected. We have provided the following information to answer questions that you may have about measles and to help you protect your family against this disease.
What is measles?
Measles is a disease that is caused by a virus. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles can cause ear infections, diarrhea and serious illness such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling around the brain). Although rare, it can lead to death.
Most people who have never been vaccinated against or sick with the measles will get it if they have contact with someone who has measles. The virus can spread very easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also stay in the air and on surfaces for hours. So, you can be infected by being in a room that an infected person was in or by touching an object that they have touched. This is why it is so important for you and your children to be vaccinated.
How can you prevent measles?
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, getting vaccinated is the best way to keep from being infected and spreading the measles. People should get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine if they have not been vaccinated or do not know if they were. MMR vaccines are very effective and can prevent almost all cases of measles. Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age and a second dose at 4-6 years of age. All adolescents and adults born after 1956 who have not been vaccinated should also be vaccinated.
If you or your child has not received the recommended doses, call your doctor to get the MMR vaccine, which may be covered by your insurance. Families who do not have a regular health care provider or health insurance that covers vaccines can visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/IZclinics/clinics.htm or call the Los Angeles County Information Line at 2-1-1 for referrals to providers offering vaccines at no-cost or a reduced cost.
If you think that you or someone in your family has been exposed to or has measles, contact your doctor’s office right away. Tell them that you might have measles before you go, so they can take steps to prevent other patients and staff from being exposed. If your child has measles or has been exposed to someone with measles outside of school, please notify your school office.
Are measles vaccines required to attend school?
Yes. California law requires that students receive measles vaccines to attend school. Two doses of MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday are required for students entering kindergarten and for transfer students entering the 7th grade. One dose of MMR vaccine is required for students transferring into all other grade levels (California Health and Safety Code, Division 105, Part 2, Chapter 1, Sections 120325-120380). If there is a case of measles at our school, children who are not vaccinated may be excluded from attending. This is for their protection and to prevent the spread of measles.
Thank you for taking steps to protect yourself, your children, and our school against measles. To learn more:
- Call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Immunization Program at (213)351-7800.