District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Grand Rapids Public Schools recently shared this letter with community members regarding rising measles concerns.

Dear Parents/Guardians, Students, and Staff:

There has recently been an alarming increase in the number of measles cases globally and in the U.S.

A case was recently reported in Oakland County, MI. As spring break is coming soon, some students and families may be traveling to locations with measles outbreaks. There have not been reported cases of measles in West Michigan, but we are sharing this information to help you prepare.

As of February 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 35 U.S. cases of measles in 2024. Measles is the most contagious virus known to infect humans and can be dangerous. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. About 90% of non-immune people exposed will become infected. One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles; two doses are approximately 97% effective.

In the event of a local measles case, quick communication will be essential to control the spread.

• Any exposed student or staff member without documented immunity may be excluded from work, school, and public activities, usually for 21 days; longer if more cases of measles occur.

• They may be eligible to return to work, school, and public activities sooner if they receive post-exposure prophylaxis (MMR vaccine) within the appropriate timeframe (72 hours from exposure), making quick identification of these eligible contacts essential.

The GRPS Health Services Department is working closely with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) to prepare for a potential local case.

• We are encouraging all students and staff to be immunized against measles. One dose of MMR is required for preschool-age children, two doses of MMR are required for school-age children, unless they have the appropriate medical or non-medical waiver.

  • Children whose parents choose not to have their child vaccinated or who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons should have obtained the appropriate non-medical or medical waiver. Parents of children with medical waivers should consult with their child’s primary care physician for further information.

• All school employees should know and have documentation of their measles immunity status. Anyone not immune to measles or with no documentation of immunity should be vaccinated as soon as possible. Anyone born before 1957 is considered immune. Contact your primary care doctor if you do not know your immunization status.

For more information about measles visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html. Please contact the KCHD Communicable Disease Unit at (616)-632-7228 or the GRPS Health Services Department at (616)-819-7050 if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Kim Baron, Director of School Health Services
616-819-4806 | BaronK@grps.org

Measles Vaccine: Our Best Protection