LACEY – Officials at the Lacey Township School District announced to parents that a student at Forked River Elementary School is suspected of having measles.
The measles case has not been confirmed yet, Superintendent Vanessa Clark said in a message on Monday, letting parents know that they are working with the Ocean County Health Department to do what is needed to protect other students and staff.
“While the virus that causes measles is spread through the air, our Forked River School custodial staff will increase cleaning protocols to ensure that surfaces such as desktops and door handles are thoroughly disinfected,” she wrote to parents.
If the case is confirmed, the nurse will review all staff and student vaccination records and work with health officials to determine if it could spread further, she said. Families and staff are encouraged to review their own vaccination records.
Other measures are as follows:
• Unvaccinated children who are exposed to measles won’t be allowed back in school during the three weeks after exposure. This timeline could be extended if there are more measles cases.
• If a child is kept home from school, they must stay in the home so as not to risk getting others sick.
The website for the Forked River School will have more information about the disease and how to protect yourself.
Parents are urged to contact Principal Fiedler or the school nurse, Mrs. Mattoon at
609-871-2080, or the superintendent at 609-971-2000, ext. 1002
