Student suspected of having measles in Palm Desert

A student at George Washington Charter Elementary School in Palm Desert is suspected of having measles. The Riverside County Department of Public Health Disease Control sent a letter home to parents on Monday as a precaution.

Director of Disease Control Barbara Cole said at this point, it is just a suspected case of measles, not a confirmed case.

The letter states:

Dear Parent or Guardian:

A student at Washington Charter Elementary School, Palm Desert is suspected of having measles. Measles is spread by air and direct contact. Your child may have been exposed and may be at risk for developing measles. This is especially true if your child has never had the disease or has not received two doses of measles vaccine. Measles is especially dangerous for infants less than one year of age, pregnant women and immune compromised people who have never had the vaccine.

If your child develops a fever or a rash, keep him/her home and consult a physician. If the physician suggests you bring your child in, keep your child outside of the office with adult supervision and go in for a mask for the child to wear. This will assist in preventing further spread of the disease. Your child must remain at home for 4 days after the rash has started.

Please contact the Department of Public Health Disease Control at 951-358-5107 if your child becomes ill, or if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara Cole, RN, PHN, MSN
Director of Disease Control