Measles Protocols Established By Pennsbury School District

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — The Pennsbury School District is preparing parents with protocols for protection against any measles cases.

Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith sent an email to the school community on Wednesday saying that the school district recently participated on a phone call with the Bucks County Department of Health to review the increase in measles cases and the protocols schools should follow in the event of a suspected or confirmed case.

While there are no confirmed cases of measles in Bucks County, cases have increased in Pennsylvania, and health officials have advised school districts to be prepared now that schools have opened for the 2026-2027 school year.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash.

Symptoms generally appear 7–14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days to develop.

Smith said that the Pennsbury School District has established protocols for handling any measles cases. The district will:

• Work closely with the county Department of Health and district physician.
• May remove the individual from the school setting.
• May contact the Bucks County Department of Health.
• Will consult with its physician
• Conduct appropriate contact tracing in coordination with public health officials
• Provide additional information and guidance to individuals who may have been exposed.
• Families will be notified if their child is identified as having been potentially exposed and will receive guidance regarding any necessary next steps.

What can families do now?

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Bucks County Department of Health, vaccination provides the best protection against measles.

Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97 percent effective at preventing measles, while one dose is 93 percent effective.

The Bucks County Health Department recommends that families should:

• Confirm that their child's measles vaccination is up to date
• Keep vaccination or immunity records readily available
• Contact their healthcare provider if they have questions about their child's vaccination or immunity status.

In the event of an exposure, public health officials may require individuals who are not considered immune to remain home for up to 21 days following their last exposure.

Any decision regarding exclusion from school would be made in consultation with public health officials based on the circumstances of the exposure and the individual's immunity status.