April 2025
Dear families,
As you may have seen in the news, the US is experiencing an increased number of cases of Measles.
Measles is a disease caused by a virus that spreads very easily from person to person. It usually lasts a week or two. Measles looks and feels like a cold or the flu at first. A cough, high fever, runny nose and red, watery eyes are common. A few days later, a red, blotchy rash starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
Measles is more easily spread than almost any other disease. The virus that causes measles lives in the nose and throat and is sprayed into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. It can stay in the air for up to 2 hours. Other people nearby can then inhale the virus. Touching tissues or sharing a cup used by someone who has measles can also spread the virus. People with measles can spread the disease 4 days before the rash begins until 4 days after rash onset. The first symptoms appear 10 - 14 days after a person is exposed.
After domestic travel to an area with an ongoing outbreak or international travel, please be advised to watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after you return. If you develop a fever and rash during this period, please call your healthcare provider and tell them about the recent travel and symptoms so the provider can arrange to evaluate you or your child without exposing others.
Among the required vaccines for school attendance is a 2 dose series that covers Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). Vaccines provide your student and our community at large, with the best protection available against serious illnesses like Measles. In the event of a positive case, if your child does not have 2 doses or has a medical/religious exemption, they will be excluded from school. The best way to prevent Measles is to get vaccinated.
If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep our schools and community safe.
Sincerely,
Randolph Public Schools Nurses
Kimberly Cabral, Young Elementary School
Heather Lemoine, Donovan Elementary School
Abby Lyons, JFK Elementary School
Rachel Hughes, North Randolph Elementary School
Linda Perry, Districtwide nurse
Chris Gervino, Randolph Community Middle School
Margaret Mullin, Randolph High School