German Measles (Rubella Virus)

Low grade fever, mild rash – first appearing on the face, and then moving down the body lasting for 1-3 days, runny eyes and nose, swollen glands behind the ears and back of the neck and aching joints
This disease is spread through contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person. These droplets can also be released into the air by talking, coughing or sneezing. A person is contagious 7 days before the rash appears and up to 7 days after.
To reduce the risk of transmission, practice proper hand hygiene, good surface cleaning, sanitizing objects that may be put in a child’s mouth, ensure fresh air ventilation, follow cough and sneeze etiquette and use personal protective equipment (PPE) if appropriate. Immunization, when available will also significantly reduce risk.
Students who have been immunized, need to stay home for 7 days after the rash appears. Anyone who has not been immunized, needs to stay home for 21 days after the start of the rash.
Concern for pregnant women who may have be exposed. Please contact a health care provider.

Communication Notice (recommended to be distributed if two or more cases are present)

Address

Date

This letter is to inform you that German Measles (also known as Rubella) has been identified at our school. This disease is spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person. These droplets can be released into the air by talking, coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms to watch for are low grade fever, mild rash that appears first on the face, and then moving down the body lasting for 1-3 days, runny eyes and nose, swollen glands behind the ears and back of the neck and aching joints. Steps to prevent infection should always be followed. Please remind your child to practice proper hand hygiene, cough or sneeze into their sleeve, discard used kleenexes properly and we ask you keep your child home any time they show any symptoms of illness. Immunization will also significantly reduce risk.

If you would like more information, please check out this fact sheet at: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/CDPC/rubella.asp

For specific questions, contact a health care provider, 811 or Public Health.

Sincerely,

NAME