Potential exposure at Aki Kurose 

Dear Aki Kurose Families and Staff,

An Aki Kurose student tested positive for measles. Measles is highly contagious. Individuals who do not have immunity are vulnerable to getting measles by being in the room where a person with measles has been. 

Fortunately, the measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provide about 97% protection against measles for a lifetime. 

The student was at school Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12. Read the Public Health notice of this confirmed measles case.  

What to do if you or your student were potentially exposed to measles  

Most students and staff in our school have immunity to the measles through vaccination. The risk to our community is low. However, anyone who was at school May 11 and 12 should do the following:  

• Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you and your family are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.  
• Call a healthcare provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or with an unexplained rash.  
  • To avoid possibly spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles.  

You can get vaccination or medication after exposure in some cases to prevent illness – check with your healthcare provider. This is especially important for people at high risk for measles complications.  

Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days (about 3 weeks) after exposure. Measles symptoms include fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. 

At Aki Kurose, we are: 

We are continuing to work with Public Health – Seattle & King County and SPS Coordinated Student Health. We are taking measures to ensure the safety of our staff and students. Healthy learning environments for our students and staff are one of my top priorities.   

Coordinated Student Health and Aki Kurose staff are working with the Public Health – Seattle & King County to learn who may have had close contact with this person. Most of our students have not been exposed. Families with students who have been exposed will be notified of a required health screening. 

About measles  

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.  

Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.  

Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation).  

Complications from measles can happen even in healthy people, but those at highest risk include: infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems from medications or underlying disease.  

If you are in one of these high-risk groups and were exposed to measles at one of these locations, be sure to contact your health care provider to discuss the need for treatment to prevent measles infection.  

Measles is preventable with the safe and highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and that protection is long lasting.  

For more information about measles and measles vaccination, including where to get measles vaccinations: kingcounty.gov/measles 

We are here to support the Aki Kurose community, and we will be here to answer any questions you may have. Our school office number is 206-252-7700.  

Sincerely,  

Principal Caine Lowery 
Aki Kurose Middle School