Dear Beloved Members of St. Peter’s,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to you today with an important update regarding a recent health concern in our community. As of Sunday, March 2nd, a case of measles has been confirmed in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Officials have reported that the measles case is related to an unvaccinated child. While this news may be concerning, I want to provide you with helpful information on how to protect yourself and your family.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It begins with symptoms similar to a cold, such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
How Dangerous Can Measles Be?
1 in 20 children who catch measles can develop pneumonia. 1 out of 1,000 children can develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which can lead to seizures, deafness, or intellectual disability. 3 out of 1,000 children can die from measles. Before this year, there hadn't been a child death from measles since 2003. We need to have 95% of people vaccinated to create herd immunity.
If you have been exposed to measles and are unvaccinated, you can be contagious for 4 days before the rash appears and continue to be contagious for 4-5 days after the rash appears.
How to Protect Yourself and Others:
Vaccination is Key:
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease. If you or your children have not yet received the MMR vaccine, please consider scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, consult your doctor. If you had measles as a child, you should have immunity to the virus, but you can have your blood titers drawn to be sure.
Recognize the Symptoms:
If you or someone in your household develops symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, or a red blotchy rash, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and isolation are crucial in preventing further spread.
Practice Good Hygiene:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Sing "Happy Birthday" two times).
Use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Stay Home if Sick:
If you are feeling unwell or showing signs of measles, please stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others, especially those who may be more vulnerable, such as young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Check for Exposure:
If you have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with measles, contact your healthcare provider for advice on whether you need a booster dose of the MMR vaccine.
If You Have Any Concerns:
I encourage you to reach out to me directly or to your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding the MMR vaccine or measles. Together, we can help ensure the health and safety of our St. Peter’s congregation and our community.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Let us continue to look out for one another and be proactive in protecting our health.
Sincerely,
Kristina Marchuk, Parish Nurse
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church - Glenside
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