Area daycares on high alert for measles, warning parents "you really have no control"

GRAFTON (WITI) -- KinderCare Daycare is now mandating that all employees working in its infant rooms be vaccinated against the measles by Monday, February 9th. This comes one day after five infants at a Chicago-area KinderCare were diagnosed with the measles.

There are no confirmed cases in Wisconsin, but local daycare facilities are on high alert.

Janet Fussell owns the Grafton Preschool & Childcare Center. It sees dozens of children every day, but before they're allowed to learn and play, each one must provide up-to-date physicals and immunization records.

"Our policy is they need to submit those materials before they enroll," said Fussell.

However, in Wisconsin you can opt out of vaccinations for religious, philosophical or medical reasons. Janet says why it's so important to pay attention to your child's everyday health.

"When we see signs of fever, ear infections things like that, we need to be very cautious," said Fussell.

There is no measles outbreak here but more than 100 people in 15 states were diagnosed with measles in January. Most recently, 5 cases were found at a KinderCare in Palatine, Illinois.

"It of course makes you more nervous," said Fussell.

Measles is a respiratory disease that can cause severe health complications. It is highly contagious and is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing or sneezing and can remain alive in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours -- so Janet takes precautions every day.

"You really have to assume any communicable disease could be in your center at any time, you really have no control," said Fussell.

And while there aren't any measles cases here or in the state, she reminds parents to be proactive.

"Measles is highly contagious and is the one rash virus that is the most problematic. But there is always a concern for exposure to any communicable disease. Parents should always be cautious," said Fussell.

Janet says at her facility, any children that are not immunized are kept out of their infant rooms and away from the children who are too young to receive immunizations.