Bexley Schools Take Proactive Measures to Help Keep Schools Open if Measles Outbreak Affects District

After New Albany Schools’ preschool experienced a prolonged closure after a measles outbreak last Fall, Bexley School leaders began discussing internally how a measles outbreak could affect our schools.

With Nurse Supervisor Cindy Tyson consulting with Franklin County public health officials and advising the administration, school leaders agreed it would be highly productive to take a proactive approach to a potential measles outbreak, a step that could potentially keep our schools open and functioning after an exposure.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious illness that can spread rapidly, especially in group settings. According to Franklin County Public Health, approximately 90% of susceptible people will contract measles if exposed, so verifying employee immunity was a crucial step in preventing an outbreak in our schools and protecting those who may be vulnerable.

If an exposure/outbreak should occur in one of our buildings, anyone who was exposed to the disease AND whose immunity cannot be verified would need to be quarantined for a minimum of 21 days and up to 28 days, as determined by Franklin County public health officials. Because this disease spreads through airborne transmission, large areas of buildings or entire buildings could be exposed.

Quarantine would not be necessary for anyone whose immunity and/or vaccinations are verified or choose to receive an emergency vaccine within 72 hours after exposure.

As a voluntary proactive public health measure, Bexley Schools requested updated information regarding the measles vaccination status of all employees. All voluntarily submitted documentation is kept strictly confidential in accordance with HIPAA and Board policy and is only reviewed by an authorized person.

In its communication, the district advised staff members how to obtain their vaccine documentation and held onsite vaccine clinics at each of our school buildings at the end of January. The clinics were conducted by Kroger. A second onsite vaccine clinic will be on March 31, for staff still interested in getting the vaccine.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine received a message recently from the Franklin County health commissioner, commending Bexley Schools for taking proactive steps.

How Bexley Students Could Be Affected by Strictly Enforced School Health Response

By Cindy Tyson, R.N., Bexley Schools’ Nurse Supervisor

An exposure to measles in a public school building can have wide-ranging and severe consequences for students, impacting not just their health but also their education, social lives, and family logistics.

Because measles is one of the most highly contagious airborne viruses in the world—lingering in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room—public health responses in schools are strictly enforced.

Here is a breakdown of how students can be negatively affected by such an exposure:

1. Direct Health Risks

The most immediate concern is the physical health of the students, particularly those who are unvaccinated, under-vaccinated, or immunocompromised. Dangerous complications can arise and approximately 1 in 5 people who get measles in the U.S. are hospitalized. Additionally, 90% of non-immune people who are exposed will become infected. 

2. Educational Disruption & Exclusion

An exposure immediately triggers public health protocols, severely disrupting learning. Franklin County Public Health would institute a mandatory 21-day exclusion for any student or staff member without documented proof of immunity. If another case develops during that exclusion period, the 21-day clock resets. Rolling quarantines can develop and extended absences can lead to missed instruction, falling behind, and low academic performance. 

3. Social & Emotional Impact

The ripple effects of a measles exposure extend to student mental health and school culture. Isolation, anxiety, fear, stigma, and division are real risks in a measles exposure or outbreak. 

4. Family & Logistical Strain

While this directly affects parents/guardians, the stress trickles down to the students. Family members of younger students often have to take unexpected time off work for up to three weeks. Financial and logistical stress can create a tense home environment. 

See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on the disease.