"Essential Information About Measles & Whooping Cough"
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Kia ora Parents and WhÄnau
As part of our commitment to keeping our school community healthy and informed, weâre sharing essential information about measles and whooping cough. Understanding the symptoms, how they spread, and prevention measures can help us all take steps to protect our tamariki and wider community. Letâs work together to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.
Symptoms of Measles
"The initial signs of measles closely resemble those of common respiratory illnesses like a cold, COVID-19, or influenza (flu), making it challenging to distinguish measles in its early stages.
A key symptom that follows is a red or dark pink rash with blotchy spots that merge together. This rash typically appears on the face or behind the ears about three days after the onset of other symptoms, before spreading down the rest of the body."
How Measles Spreads
You can catch measles by breathing in virus particles in the air after a person with measles has coughed, sneezed, talked or even just breathed. This can occur through:
face-to-face contact, such as having a conversation
spending time in a confined indoor space at the same time as the infected person (known as a case)
spending time in a confined indoor space within one hour of the case leaving the space.
Measles Spreads Very Easily
Measles is easier to catch than viruses like COVID-19 or the flu.
A person with measles can give it to others 4 days before their rash starts and 4 days after it begins. This means they can spread measles before they know they are sick.
One person with measles can make 18 other people sick if those people are not already protected.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing.
Whooping cough typically begins like a cold, with a runny nose and dry cough. It then worsens into severe coughing fits, often ending with a âwhoopâ sound or vomiting.
If You Have Whooping Cough Symptoms
Stay home and consult your GP. If diagnosed, stay away from your school until you are well.
Helping to Keep Our School Community Safe
To reduce the spread of measles and whooping cough, staying alert is key. If your child displays any symptoms or has been in contact with someone who is unwell, please keep them at home and seek advice from your healthcare provider. Both illnesses can spread quickly, but together, by acting promptly and staying informed, we can protect the health and wellbeing of our tamariki and community.
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