Neshaminy Outlines Measles Protocols In Schools

LANGHORNE, PA — Following on the heels of the Pennsbury School District, the Neshaminy School District has rolled out its measles protocol for the 2026-2027 school year.

Neshaminy Schools Superintendent Jason Bowman sent a letter to the community about the district's preparations for any measles cases.

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Bowman said the school district recently joined a call with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit and the county's Department of Health to review the recent increase in measles cases and the steps schools should follow if a case is suspected or confirmed.

While there are currently no confirmed cases of measles in the county, cases have increased statewide.

Health officials have asked school districts to be prepared in case a student or staff member becomes ill with or is exposed to measles.

What is Measles?

Measles is a contagious illness caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves the area.

Measles can affect people of any age, although young children may be more likely to become seriously ill.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to help prevent measles.

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but they can sometimes take up to 21 days to appear.

Common symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that usually begins three to five days after other symptoms start

School District Measures

If the Neshaminy School District learns of a suspected measles case involving a student or staff member, the district will work with the county health department of Health to review the situation and determine the appropriate next steps.

Depending on the situation, the district may:

• Ask the person to stay home from school for a period of time
• Work with public health officials
• Identify people who may have been exposed
• Provide families and staff with any needed follow-up information
• Families will be contacted if their child may have been exposed. They will also receive clear information about any next steps they may need to take.
• If an exposure occurs, public health officials will review the specific situation.
• In some cases, people who are not considered immune to measles, including those who are not vaccinated, may be asked to stay home for a period of time.
• Any decision to keep someone out of school will be made in consultation with public health officials and will depend on the type of exposure and the person's immunity status.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Bucks County Department of Health recommend vaccination as the best protection against measles.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. One dose is about 93 percent effective.

Families are encouraged to:

• Check that their child's measles vaccination is up to date
• Keep vaccination or immunity records available
• Contact their healthcare provider with questions about vaccination or immunity
• If your child develops symptoms of measles or you think your child may have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider and notify your child's school.
• Call your healthcare provider before going to a medical office or facility. This allows the provider to prepare before you arrive and helps protect other patients.