As measles continues to circulate in Windsor-Essex County, summer day camps are advised to take proactive steps to protect the health of children and staff.
To help reduce the spread of measles, staff and campers are urged to have completed the two-dose series of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Camp organizers should encourage staff and campers to have documented proof of immunity to measles available should a case of measles be confirmed at camp. In the event of an exposure, anyone without documented proof of immunity will be excluded from camp for 21 days from the date of exposure. Acceptable proof of immunity includes evidence of receiving 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, a letter from a health care provider confirming a prior infection with measles, a blood test confirming immunity to measles, or a government issued ID confirming date of birth before 1970.
To prepare for the potential of a measles exposure at camp, camp administrators are strongly encouraged to take the following steps to minimize the disruption to the camp experience:
- Remind staff and camper’s parents that measles is still circulating in our community and no one should attend camp if they are ill.
- Remind staff and camper’s parents that they should ensure they have proof of immunity to measles prior to starting camp so they don’t face the possibility of being required to exclude from camp for up to 21 days following a measles exposure. If they don’t have proof of immunity, they should see their health care provider to discuss options before camp starts.
- Review the WECHU process (linked below) for after a measles exposure at camp and ask the WECHU any questions you may have before camp starts.
- Ensure you have a designated room (with a closed door) to isolate a camper or staff member that comes to camp with symptoms of measles.
- Ensure you have medical-grade face masks of varying sizes (including children’s sizes) to use for both the affected individual and the adult who supervises the child in isolation until their family picks them up.
- Ensure you have contact information for every camper and staff member attending the camp.
- Observe campers daily, checking for signs of illness. Consider posting measles screening signage for increased awareness.
- Keep a record of who attends the camp each day.
- Keep a record of any off-site excursions made on a camp day.
- In the event of a suspected or confirmed case of measles at camp, follow the steps outlined in the WEC Measles Exposure and Exclusion process for Camp Settings to reduce spread of the virus (linked below).
- Report any suspected or confirmed cases of measles to the WECHU immediately when you become aware of any camper or staff member who might have measles by submitting a reporting form and fax to 226-783-2132 during business hours and after hours, weekends, and holidays by fax to 226-783-2113.
Camp and summer program organizers are urged to submit their contact information to ensure timely communication in the event of a suspected or confirmed case of measles. This will allow for quick response from public health to protect other camp participants and staff.