Oxford area high school closed Friday after confirmed measles case

OXFORD, Pa. (WPVI) — Oxford Area High School in Chester County will be closed Friday after a confirmed case of measles was identified within the school community.

The school district announced the closure in a letter sent to families Thursday.

“We understand that news like this can be concerning to families,” the district wrote. “The health and well-being of our students, staff and community are extremely important to us, and we recognize that receiving this information may raise questions, concerns and uncertainty.”

READ MORE | Measles cases surpass 1,000 in Pennsylvania, amid largest outbreak the state has seen in decades

School officials said the Chester County Health Department will contact anyone suspected of being exposed.

The announcement comes as Pennsylvania surpassed 1,000 cases of measles, including 86 cases reported in Chester County.

Earlier this week, Jeanne Franklin, director of the Chester County Health Department, said officials worked closely with school nurses and superintendents before the school year because of concerns about measles transmission.

According to the district’s letter, anyone who is not vaccinated against measles or cannot provide proof of vaccination must stay away from school and school-related activities for 21 days following potential exposure.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air or by direct contact.

Early symptoms include cough, runny nose, fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and red, watery eyes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Two to three days after symptoms appear, patients may develop Koplik spots, which are tiny white spots that can appear inside the mouth, on the inside of the cheek.

Three to five days after symptoms appear, patients may experience a rash, first appearing on the face at the hairline before moving down to the neck, chest, stomach, arms, legs, and feet. Fever can exceed 104 F when the rash appears, according to the CDC.

The CDC currently recommends that people receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. One dose is 93% effective in preventing measles infection, and two doses are 97% effective, according to the CDC.