IPS to take ‘proactive steps’ as measles cases increase throughout United States

INDIANAPOLIS — As measles cases continue to be reported throughout the United States, officials with the Indianapolis Public Schools said they are “taking proactive steps” to protect students and staff.

More than 250 cases of measles have been reported throughout Texas and other cases have been reported in states like Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, California and Alaska.

According to a news release from the school district, officials said they are “being vigilant” in their approach as spring break approaches. As of this story’s publication, there are no known cases in Indiana. However, the Kentucky case is reportedly near Indiana’s border.

“IPS Health Services is closely monitoring the situation and implementing preventative measures to avert any potential impact on local schools,” the release said.

The release said that IPS vaccine coordinators will reach out to families in the coming days to provide information on the measles outbreak and discuss the importance of immunization.

“With spring break approaching, there is an increased risk of measles exposure due to out-of-state travel,” Megan Carlson, the director of health services for IPS, said in the release. “While we’ve made progress in ensuring students receive required vaccinations, we still have students without an MMR vaccine on file, which puts them at greater risk.”  

Officials said that if a measles case is confirmed at any IPS school, students exposed without the required MMR vaccinations on file will be excluded from school for 21 days to prevent further spread.

According to the IPS website, the district’s spring break is March 24-28. The district will host several vaccination clinics, including clinics on:

• March 17
• March 19
• March 20
• March 21
• March 22
• March 24
• March 31

District officials also encourage staff and parents to check their immunization status. For more information, click here.