Possible Measles Outbreak At Private School

Sonora, CA -- Tuolumne County Public Health officials are monitoring a possible measles outbreak at the Sierra Waldorf School.

Kathy Amos, County Director of Public Health Nursing says that four students have been identified as having symptoms of the disease.

Parents and teachers at the school have been notified of the situation.

Amos says measles is highly contagious, and children with symptoms should stay home from school and seek medical care.

Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, inflamed red eyes, and a rash that typically starts at the hairline and extends down the chest and over extremities.

It is spread through coughing, sneezing and other types of contact.

Amos says exposed children who have never had an MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination, or have only had one MMR immunization should be vaccinated.

Cases of measles should be reported immediately to the County Health Department at 533-7403.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com