There has been an outbreak of measles in Washington, including Snohomish County. While there have not been any cases detected so far in our school district, should there be an outbreak at one of our schools, officials at the health district have the authority to exclude from attending school any students or staff who have not been immunized against measles.

• If you have not received any MMR vaccines or have had only one dose of MMR, you would be excluded from school until the outbreak at the school is declared over.
• If you received your MMR vaccine between 1963 and 1968, the CDC has just determined that vaccines given during that timeframe are likely ineffective. You can get revaccinated with the new MMR vaccine, or obtain a blood test to prove you are immune to the measles.
• If you have had two (2) doses of MMR or MMRV, you are up to date with required measles vaccinations.

The Snohomish Health District encourages you to contact your healthcare provider to get up to date on your vaccines as soon as possible. Acceptable forms of documentation may be provided through any of the following:

• Date of birth before 1957; or
• Record of two (2) measles vaccinations with a live measles virus-containing vaccine verified by a licensed health care provider; or
• A letter from a licensed health care provider documenting infection with and full recovery from previous measles illness; or
• A letter from a licensed health care provider that confirms a blood test or serology showing measles immunity.

According to the Snohomish Health District, symptoms of measles generally appear about 7 to 14 days after a person is infected but may be up to 21 days after exposure. Measles typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash appears on the face and spreads downward on the body.

You can protect yourself and your family by ensuring everyone has been vaccinated; staying away from people who are sick; washing your hands frequently; and calling your provider if there is any exposure to a person with measles.

Visit the Snohomish Health District website for more information about measles or for updates on the measles outbreak.

Protect Your Teen From Meningitis

Meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes severe swelling of the brain and spinal cord. It is spread through respiratory and throat secretions usually during close personal contact such as kissing, close living arrangements at summer camp, or fraternities/sororities/dorms in college. Symptoms initially look like the flu (headache, fever, extreme tiredness), then progress to other symptoms (stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and a rash of small purplish black-red dots.) Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect this disease.

The good news is there is a vaccine available that prevents 83% of the cases caused by 4 out of 5 of the most common strains of the bacteria that cause this disease. This vaccine is strongly recommended by the medical community. Two doses are needed for full protection.

CDC Immunization Schedule for 16-Year Olds

Do you wake up late and hurry to school without eating breakfast? If so, you are in the same company as 25% of Kamiak students with this unhealthy habit. When you get to school and smell breakfast in the Commons, your brain and your stomach says “time to eat”. If you don’t, your brain and body are not receiving the nourishment you need to function at your best. Studies show that people who eat breakfast improve their academic performance. Headaches and stomachaches happen when you skip this important meal of the day. Busy families can help their children break this bad habit by providing healthy food that teens can “grab and go”, including bananas, granola or protein bars, yogurt, or sun butter and jelly sandwiches.  To see if your student may qualify for free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch, or to report special dietary needs, please visit Nutrition Services: https://www.mukilteoschools.org/Domain/45”

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