Essex County News: Measles Confirmed at Elementary School in Nutley – TAPinto.net

NUTLEY, NJ — In a letter sent to parents on Thursday, Nutley Superintendent of Schools Dr. Julie Glazer reported that the Nutley Health Department confirmed that there was a case of measles in Washington Elementary School.

In her letter, Glazer stated that the district has been “tracking this case before it was confirmed and now will continue to monitor and follow guidance from the New Jersey and local Departments of Health. The custodians have sanitized and disinfected the building.”

“Measles is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Symptoms include: rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Measles are no longer contagious four days after the onset of the rash”, Glazer wrote.

According to Glazer, staff and students not at Washington School on Friday, Sept. 27 are not at risk for measles. She continued that parents with specific questions about their child are encouraged to reach out to their family’s physician.

In an accompanying list of frequently asked questions from the New Jersey Department of Health, it is reported that anyone who has not had measles, or is not vaccinated against measles, is can contract the disease.

The New Jersey Department of Health reports that “anyone who suspects an exposure is urged to call a healthcare provider before going to a medical office or emergency department. A person infected with measles can spread the disease before showing symptoms; therefore, special arrangements need to be made when you visit your doctor or emergency department to help protect others from getting sick.”

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease.

The Nutley Public Schools district will reach out to the community if any additional communication is necessary.

Due to patient privacy laws, there are a great many things specific to this case that cannot be shared publicly.