Students and staff at Bellport High School are now dealing with two possible cases of rubella, also known as German measles.

Last week, a faculty member reported feeling ill after seeing a personal physician. The district was notified of another possible rubella case involving a faculty member Monday night.

Health experts say the MMR vaccine -- for measles, mumps and rubella -- is 95 percent effective after you get the two doses recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was unknown if the faculty members were fully vaccinated.

The disease is spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, headache, pink eye, discomfort, swollen lymph nodes, cough and runny nose.

Randy Miller says he's concerned about the disease but is not overly panicked. He says his kids are vaccinated, but he is concerned about children who are not vaccinated or come from places where the vaccine is not required.

Anyone who thinks their child might be sick should call a doctor first. Rubella is highly contagious, and calling allows the office to take appropriate precautions to protect others.