The Ministry of Health yesterday urged parents to ensure their children are immunised against rubella/measles after a suspected case in a school.

The warning came after a child "was recently diagnosed with an unconfirmed but suspected case of rubella/measles".

According to a Health spokesperson, the child was sent home and a letter was sent to parents of other students in the school advising of symptoms and the care and precaution that should be taken.

"Children with suspected rubella and measles should be excluded from school/day care for seven days after the onset of the rash," the spokesperson stated. "Caregivers/teachers of the infected child should be made aware of the potential hazard of the disease to susceptible pregnant contacts.

"A pregnant woman should consult her obstetrician if she has been in contact with a person with rubella."

The spokesperson explained that rubella is a respiratory viral infection characterised by mild respiratory symptoms and low-grade fever, followed by a acne-like rash lasting about three days.

Complications can occur but are rare. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It causes fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body.

"Measles and rubella are part of the measles, mumps, rubella immunisation (MMR) and is part of Bermuda's childhood immunisation programme.

The majority of children should have been fully immunised by the age of six years. MMR is given at 15 months and a booster is given between the ages of four to six years."

Parents whose children have not been protected against measles, mumps and rubella should contact their physician or visit the Child Health Immunisation Clinic at the Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street Hamilton to have their child inoculated.

For more information contact the nurse epidemiologist — lmouterbridgegov.bm or 278-6503.