Measles – protecting our students and families

As you may be aware, there are now multiple confirmed cases of measles at Hebbville Academy. We’ve been working closely with Public Health to help prevent further spread of measles and to protect our students and families and the public.

While measles has only been confirmed at Hebbville Academy, we would encourage all families in our region to check immunization status and make arrangements to have vaccinations updated as needed.

Measles Info

Symptoms of measles include

  • Fever
  • A red blotchy rash on the face, which spreads down the body
  • Cough, runny nose, red eyes
  • Small white spots may also show up inside the mouth and throat

Measles is a viral illness and most people fully recover within two to three weeks. However, measles can have serious complications, which are more likely in infants, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

The best protection against measles is vaccination. In Nova Scotia, every person born after 1970 should receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine after their first birthday.

Documentation of vaccination

Measles is highly contagious, so it can spread quickly in schools unless almost everyone is immune through vaccination. Public Health, under the authority of Health Protection Act, is strictly enforcing the requirement to stay home from school for those who are susceptible to measles. This includes students who do not have documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine or who have not received another dose of MMR since April 12, 2017 risk having to stay home from school, child care and other activities, as ordered by Public Health. This also applies to teachers and staff at the school born after 1970, who do not have documentation of a single dose of MMR.

Individuals without record of appropriate vaccination may be able to return to the school if they receive a dose of MMR vaccine or take a blood test that shows that they are immune to measles.

What to do…

If you or someone you know has the symptoms of measles listed above, even if they have been vaccinated, you should:

  • Call Public Health: 1-844-856-3677
  • Call 811 for advice from a registered nurse. They will advise on next steps.
  • If you need to see a healthcare provider for assessment, such as your family doctor, call ahead to make sure they are prepared to see you. Measles is highly contagious and healthcare providers need to take special precautions to protect other patients from being exposed.

Thank you for your support and attention to this. Please reach out to Public Health if you have any questions.