County Health Dept: Measles in Council Rock From Exchange Students

The Bucks County Health Department has identified three probable cases of measles in the Council Rock School District. Students from Council Rock High School North and Newtown Middle School who have not been vaccinated for the disease will be removed from school until May 17 -- when the incubation period is believed to be over, said county spokesman Chris Edwards.

Health Depatment officials said the virus likely arrived to the area from French foreign exchange students who returned to their native country prior to testing. There is currently a major measles outbreak in France, Health Department officials said.

According to the Health Department, measles is not a serious illness for most people. However, in some cases it can cause severe illness. Complications from measles can include ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis. All three probable cases in Bucks County were at least partially vaccinated, officials said.

Possible measles exposures could have occurred at the following times and locations:

·        Saturday night, April 30, at the Murder Mystery Dinner at the Cock and Bull Restaurant in Peddler’s Village, Lahaska;

·        Saturday, April 30, between the hours of 11 a.m. and noon at the Parx Casino blackjack tables.

If you attended one of these locations during the time specified, and are susceptible to the virus, the Health Department recommends that you watch out for symptoms of measles between now and May 17.

If you develop symptoms of measles, such as a rash or fever, do not attend public places (such as work, school, childcare, shopping or public transportation) until you see a doctor and are sure you don’t have measles. If you suspect you have measles, call your physician before you go to let them know that you may have been exposed to measles, the Health Department recommends.

Most people in the United States are immune to measles, either because they received the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine in childhood, or because they were exposed to measles in the pre-vaccine era (before 1957). Infants less than one year of age are too young to have received the MMR vaccine, county officials said.

"The public should be aware that measles is caused by a highly contagious virus. Symptoms will begin one to two weeks after exposure and include a runny nose, watery eyes, cough and a high fever. After four days, a raised, red rash starts to spread on the face, down the body and out to the arms and legs. The rash usually lasts four to seven days. An individual with measles can spread the virus to others for four days before and four days after the rash begins," said a statement from the County Health Department.

This situation “shows more than ever the importance of vaccinating your family. Diseases that are rare in the U.S. are still circulating around the world, and are only a plane flight away," said Dr. David Damsker, director of the Bucks County Department of Health. "This is another reminder to check with your physician and make sure you and members of your family are up-to-date on their vaccinations.”

For comprehensive information about measles, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.