Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has now reached 1,426 confirmed cases across 44 counties, with 268 hospitalizations and five measles-associated deaths.

A new public exposure was also identified this week at a Target in Lebanon County.

Locally, I haven’t seen a new Upper Merion or Montgomery County exposure alert.

But the outbreak is starting to change how nearby school districts prepare.

My school recently asked employees to provide proof of MMR vaccination or measles immunity. That made me curious whether other local districts were doing the same, so I asked.

I’ve now heard from employees in Lower Merion, Perkiomen Valley, Downingtown and the Chester County Intermediate Unit who say they have also been asked to provide that information. There are likely more.

While UMASD has discussed with staff the need for vaccination proof, they have not taken any formal steps to require they be on file.

Has your district began making preparations? Let us know.

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Thank you for reading,

Corey