Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are reaching out to share important information regarding our district’s proactive health
measures due to measles cases reported within the state of Iowa. At this time, there are no
confirmed cases of measles within the South Winneshiek School District. However, we believe it is important to be prepared and inform families in advance about the protocols we will follow should a case occur within our school community.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health complications,
particularly for unvaccinated individuals. If a case of measles is identified within our district, we
will coordinate closely with Public Health officials to identify any close contacts and implement
appropriate public health measures.
Please note:
If your child is identified as a close contact of a confirmed measles case and is not properly
vaccinated or immune, they will be excluded from school for 21 days from the date of their
last exposure. This includes students with medical or religious exemptions from the measles
(MMR) vaccine. To help prevent disruptions to your child’s learning, we encourage all families to take the following steps:
- Review your child’s immunization records to ensure they are up to date, particularly
with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure about your child’s vaccination
status.
- Reach out to your school’s health office with any questions about exemption
documentation or to confirm your student’s records are current.
- Per Iowa Code 139A.8(4)(a) immunization exemptions are allowed only for medical or
religious reasons recognized by law.
We understand that these exclusions can be challenging for families, but they are essential to
safeguarding the health of our school community and helping to contain any potential spread.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we continue to prioritize student and staff
safety. Should you have any questions, please contact your school nurse.
Sincerely,
Nurse Brandi