The Band-Aid Bulletin: What is measles?

The Stanwood-Camano School District posted this on its website on 2026-02-19 16:00:00.

As colder weather brings us indoors more often, common illnesses can spread more easily. We’re sharing the information below to help families stay informed about measles and know what to watch for.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure and may include:

• High fever (often over 101°F)

• Cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes

• Small white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik spots)

• A blotchy rash with both flat and raised areas that typically starts on the face and spreads downward
  (The rash usually appears a few days after other symptoms and lasts about five to six days.)

Why measles matters

While many people recover from measles, it can lead to serious complications — especially for children under age 5 and adults over age 20. Possible complications include:

Prevention

• The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is safe and highly effective

• Two doses provide about 97% protection

• Vaccination also helps protect individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons

What parents should do

• Ensure your child’s immunizations are up to date

• Keep children home if they have a fever and rash

• If measles is suspected, contact your healthcare provider before going into an office so appropriate precautions can be taken

School health reminder

Students with suspected or confirmed measles must remain home until cleared by a healthcare provider and the local health department, in accordance with school health guidelines.

If a measles outbreak were to occur, the district would work closely with local health authorities in Island and Snohomish counties to minimize impact on students, staff, and families. The local health district determines any need for exclusion, and we will communicate clearly and work with families and care providers to support a safe and timely return to school.