Dear Parents and Guardians,
We have information to share with you about measles and when to seek medical care. We want to share this information because a confirmed case has recently been reported in a Trumbull School.
What Is Measles? Measles is a serious illness caused by a virus. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually appear 8-12 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days to appear.
Early symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
Later symptoms:
- A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and moves down the body
A person with measles is contagious from 4 days before the rash until 4 days after it appears.
If You Suspect Your Child Has Measles:
- Call us first at (203) 755-2999. Please do not come to the office without speaking to one of our nurses or providers. Tell us about any possible exposure or travel to an area where there have been reports of measles.
- Keep your child home and away from others to stop the spread.
- If you must go to urgent care or the ER, call before arriving so they can prepare safely.
Prevention of Measles:
- MMR vaccine: Two doses offer strong protection against measles.
- Check your child’s immunization records and contact us if they are not up to date.
Higher-risk groups include infants under 1 year, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Before Calling Our Office
If you have general questions about measles, vaccines, or the current situation, please check this link to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) website, where more information is available to you:
Measles is Highly Contagious: What Parents Should Know (https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/growing-healthy/measles-highly-contagious-what-
parents-should-know).
If you still have concerns after reviewing these resources, we are here to help.
Your Pediatric Associates of Connecticut providers and staff