What's Happening in Burlington, WI…

The recent outbreak of measles in the U.S. has prompted the Burlington Area School District to put policies in place to protect the staff and students.

A letter was sent home to all parents explaining the procedure. Should a child in the district contract theillness, any students who have not received the full course of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR ) vaccine will not be permitted to attend school for two weeks Should the outbreak become more severe, this time period could be extended. This policy is also in effect for teachers and other staff members.

The district’s Director of Health Services noted that the measures have been put in place to protect those who are most vulnerable to contracting the illness. These include those who have a weakened immune system, those who may be allergic to the vaccine, those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, and anyone else who has not been immunized. Brochure printers can produce pamphlets that provide more information to those parents and staff members who may request it.

According to the Director of Health Services, measles can be a very serious disease, and some of the students in the school system are either unimmunized or not sufficiently immunized. These measures have been put in place to protect both them and the other pupils and staff.