Health Notifications:

May 2019:  Measles Confirmed in King County

This month, confirmed cases of measles have been reported in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Public Health states that the best protection against measles is to get vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rebella (MMR) vaccine. Explore the following resources to learn more about measles prevention and treatment.

Find measles information from the Washington Department of Health in several languages:

Measles Flier (WA DOH)

• معلومات عن الحصبة (Arabic)
• खसरा के बारे में जानकारी (Hindi)
• ព័ត៌មានអំពីក្ឹល (Khmer)
• पोर्टलको बारेमा जानकारी (Nepali)
• КОРЬ (Russian)
• SARAMPIÓN (Spanish)
• Macluumaadka ku saabsan jadeecada (Somali)
• Habari juu ya masuli (Swahili)
• інформація про кір (Ukrainian)

Washington State Dept of Health – Measles in Washington

Información básica sobre el sarampión (DOH Measles in WA - Spanish)

Measles: It Isn’t Just a Little Rash Infographic

El sarampión no es simplemente un sarpullido leve - infografía (Spanish)

April 2019:  Sunscreen at school

Since 2017, Washington State Law allows students to bring sunscreen to school and to self-apply it.  As the weather improves, parents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to help protect their student's health.  Please follow the directions below when sending sunsreen to school with your student.

1. Students must apply the sunscreen themselves.  (School personnell are not allowed to assist students in applying sunscreen unless we have a medication order signed by a licensed healthcare provider)
2. Parents should instruct student not to share sunscreen with others.  Some people are allergic to paba, a common ingredient.
3. Write the student's name on the sunscreen container with a permanent marker.
4. Send ONLY rub-on sunscreen to school for the following reasons:
   • It is difficult for most people to effectively apply sunscreen to all of the necessary areas.
   • spraying sunscreens in often croweded school settings risks accidental exposure of other students eyes, mouths and noses
   • spray sunscreens can contaminate the air which can be an irritant for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
5. Parents of younder children are encouraged to apply sunscreen to their students before school.

March 2019:  A Late Flu Season is Peaking in Washington State.

Even though the plum trees are blossoming and the heavy coats are disappearing, flu season is in full swing.  Influenza activity is now at high levels in King County with the season expected to last another 4-6 weeks. Circulating strains are increasingly Influenza A H3N2 in addition to previously circulating influenza A H1N1, both of which are covered by this season’s flu vaccine.  A flu vaccination is recommended for everyone older than six months and it is not too late to get yourself, and your family vaccinated.

 Flu affects people of all ages & can cause severe illness resulting in hospitalization and death. Help protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated, washing your hands often, covering your cough and staying home when you're sick.

 If there is any question about the health status of your child, please make arrangements to keep him/her at home.  This preventive step benefits your student and their classmates. 

 For more information about the Flu and Flu prevention, visit the Washington State Department of Health Flu News website.