Oxford Area High School closes after measles case identified

Oxford Area High School in Chester County will be closed on Friday after a measles case was confirmed among students or staff, the school district said in a letter to families on Thursday. The district noted the health and well-being of the school community are a top priority and acknowledged the concerns the news may raise.

The Chester County Health Department will reach out to anyone believed to have been exposed, and officials have urged anyone without proof of measles vaccination to remain away from school and related activities for 21 days after potential exposure. The closure occurs as Pennsylvania has reported more than 1,000 measles cases, with 86 cases in Chester County.

Jeanne Franklin, director of the Chester County Health Department, previously said the department was coordinating with school nurses and superintendents ahead of the school year to address measles transmission risks. The CDC describes measles as a highly contagious airborne virus, outlining symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, Koplik spots in the mouth, and a characteristic rash that spreads from the face downward. The agency recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, which together are about 97% effective at preventing infection.