Measles
Information
The
media has recently reported about the spread of Measles especially in Hanoi and
nearby provinces. While we have had no known cases here at the British International
School, HCMC we felt it necessary to provide further information for parents.
What
are the Measles?
The Measles is a
highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. It
predominantly effects children under the age of 5 years but can occur in older
children and adults.
How
is the measles spread?
Measles is most
commonly spread when someone swallows or inhales the cough or sneeze droplets
from an infected person. The measles viruses are carried inside mucus or saliva
droplets and remain alive on surfaces for up to two hours. Infection can also
occur if someone touches contaminated surfaces or objects and then touches
their own mouth or nose or eats before washing their hands. Symptoms usually
occur about 10 to 12 days after infection. It should be noted that the measles
virus is generally contagious before the rash appears.
Signs
& Symptoms of Measles
The signs and
symptoms of measles usually begin 10-12 days after exposure to the virus and
can last up to seven days.
The symptoms may
include:
§
High
Fever
§ General discomfort, illness or
lack of wellbeing (malaise)
§ Runny nose
§ Dry cough
§ Sore, red and watery eyes
§ White or bluish spots inside
the mouth (Koplik’s spots) in the early stages.
§
A
red and blotchy skin rash erupts approximately 14 days after exposure to the
virus. It appears first on the face and hairline and over time spreads to the
rest of the body. The rash can last up to 6 days before it begins to fade.
Immunisation
against measles
§
Immunisation
is the best protection against measles. A person who receives the recommended
two doses of a measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) has 99 per cent immunity against
measles infection. If you have been infected with measles, you will usually
have lifelong immunity.
§ Guidelines recommend
immunisation should occur;
§ At 9 months of age - the first dose of measles vaccine incorporated
in the MMR combination vaccine and;
§
A
second dose of the vaccine should be given from 18 months of age.
What
do we do as a school to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases?
§
Children
are reminded to wash hands frequently. Hand sanitizer is available in all
classrooms.
§ Classrooms and toys are
disinfected if any child is diagnosed as having a contagious disease.
§ Children are sent home if they
have a temperature of over 38 degrees.
§
When
children return to school, after recovering from an infectious disease, they
are requested to present a medical certificate to the school nurse.
What
you can do as a parent?
§
Check
your child’s temperature if they are sick
§ Look for signs of the symptoms
listed above
§ Do not send you child into school
if they are feeling unwell
§
Check
that immunisations are up to date
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