The Neshaminy School District has laid out its protocol for handling potential measles cases among students or staff, per a letter sent to parents last week by Superintendent Jason Bowman.
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No confirmed cases have been reported in the district or in Bucks County this year, but school officials and the Bucks County Department of Health stand ready to respond if a case arises, officials said.
As part of Neshaminy’s plan, any person diagnosed with measles will be asked to stay home, and officials will work to identify anyone who may have been exposed. Families of exposed students will be notified directly and provided with instructions on necessary next steps.
Public health officials will evaluate exposures on a case-by-case basis, according to the district.
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Students or staff who lack immunity to the virus, including unvaccinated people, may be required to quarantine at home for a period of time, according to the plan.
District officials said decisions regarding school exclusions will be made alongside public health authority recommendations and guided by the individual’s immunity status and the nature of the exposure.
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Pennsylvania is dealing with the largest measles outbreak in the nation.
Last Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 577 confirmed measles cases statewide, with 115 of those diagnosed within the preceding week.
To date, 98 individuals have been hospitalized and two measles-associated deaths have been reported in Pennsylvania.
The highest concentrations of cases have been recorded in Lancaster, Chester, and Mifflin counties.
The numbers for 2026 are a sharp rise from 2025 when a total of 16 cases were recorded statewide.
A review of student vaccination data by LevittownNow.com last month revealed that Bucks County’s average student immunization rate for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) stands at 95.6 percent.
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The percentage reflects a decline from the 97.6% rate recorded during the 2019-2020 school year.
Medical experts cite a 95% MMR immunization rate as the herd immunity threshold required to prevent community transmission.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Pennsylvania mandates two MMR doses for children entering kindergarten. However, exemptions are granted for medical conditions, religious beliefs, or strong moral and philosophical convictions.
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The state and county departments of health recommend vaccination as the primary defense against the disease.
Health officials note that two doses of the MMR vaccine are roughly 97 percent effective at preventing measles, while a single dose is about 93 percent effective.
Neshaminy administrators are asking families to verify that their children’s MMR vaccinations are current, keep immunity records accessible, and consult healthcare providers with any questions regarding immunization.
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Measles is an airborne virus that spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain active and contagious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area. Symptoms, which typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days, include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that originates on the head before spreading downward.
Parents who suspect their child has measles or has been exposed are asked to contact their healthcare provider and notify their child’s school immediately.
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Neshaminy officials will continue monitoring the situation alongside public health authorities.
The Pennsbury School District also issued similar guidance to parents.
Anyone experiencing symptoms after a potential exposure can also reach the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
