In light of increasing numbers of measles cases both nationally and in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has created a document to help schools prepare for and respond to measles cases in their facilities.

This document is posted on the PA DOH website at MEASLES: INFORMATION TO PREVENT SPREAD IN SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE SETTINGS as well as on the Communicable and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases webpage. Schools are also reminded to contact the local Department of Health state health center (SHC)/district office or county/municipal health department before acting in response to a known or suspected communicable disease. Call 1-877-PA Health (1-877-724-3258); a representative is on-call 24 hours a day.

Guidance can be provided to schools regarding: disease information; appropriate letters and communications; identification of high risk individuals; appropriate action and treatment; and on-going support and assistance.