Measles Case Confirmed in Bainbridge Elementary School

In Bainbridge, Pennsylvania, a student from Bainbridge Elementary School has tested positive for measles.

This information was shared by the Elizabethtown Area School District. They had intended to notify Bainbridge families later in the day but ended up sharing it internally with district staff first. A letter addressed to families expressed regret that some learned of the situation through the media instead of direct communication from the district.

The communication, released earlier than planned, outlined the need for families to be aware of the symptoms associated with measles due to its highly contagious nature.

The letter stated:

Dear Bainbridge Elementary School Families,

The Elizabethtown Area School District informs you that one Bainbridge Elementary School student has tested positive for measles. We’re sharing this for your awareness and to help you monitor symptoms.

Our original plan was to inform families later. However, after sharing it with district employees, it was prematurely disseminated outside the district, leading to media coverage before we could reach out to families directly. We regret that some families may have heard about this through news reports first. Consequently, we decided to send this communication sooner.

Since measles spreads through the air and is highly contagious, parents are urged to keep an eye on their children and other household members for symptoms.

Understanding Measles

Measles is a viral illness that is very contagious, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Symptoms usually start with:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A red, blotchy rash that often starts on the face and spreads

Symptoms can develop as long as 21 days after exposure. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, and Bainbridge Elementary has a high vaccination rate among its students.

Advice for Families

Families should be vigilant for measles symptoms in the upcoming weeks, not just in their children but in others at home as well.

If your child shows signs associated with measles, keep them at home and reach out to a healthcare provider. If someone else in the household develops similar symptoms, it’s important to consult their healthcare provider. Since measles spreads easily, make sure to inform the medical facility in advance to allow for necessary precautions.

The health and safety of our students, staff, and families are our top priorities. For any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Bainbridge Elementary School nurse.

Sincerely,

Elizabethtown Area School District