Measles Information
Visit the Student Health website for more information.
What is Measles? What are the symptoms?
Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious and potentially severe rash illness. It is often spread over times of high travel or in situations where unvaccinated persons are in close quarters.
Symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure, and typically include:
- Red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
Learn more about related symptoms and complications.
How is it spread?
Measles is very contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles by breathing contaminated air or touching infected surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus remains in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
An infected person can spread the virus from four days prior to symptoms through four days after symptoms.
How can I protect myself from contracting measles?
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing all strains of measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
Consult with your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, especially if planning to travel.
If I am fully vaccinated against measles, can I still get the virus?
Yes, though it’s unlikely.
According to the CDC: Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, one dose is 93% effective. It is uncommon for someone fully vaccinated to develop measles. However, breakthrough infections (when someone becomes infected after they have been vaccinated) can occur, especially in communities experiencing an outbreak where high levels of measles virus are circulating.
Students can review vaccine records they have submitted to the University for immunization compliance via the Student Health Portal.
What should I do if I think I have measles or have been exposed to the virus?
If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone who has measles, immediately call Student Health or your healthcare provider and let them know. Your healthcare provider will then lead you through appropriate steps based on your vaccination history.
What can I do to remain healthy?
- Contact your healthcare provider to verify your vaccination status. If you haven’t already received the MMR vaccine, consider taking action.
- Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing
- Sanitize surfaces regularly
- If you feel sick, stay away from others, if possible
What is the University doing to keep our community healthy?
University officials are closely monitoring the measles outbreak, updates from the Centers for Disease Control and local health authorities. We are committed to keeping our campus community informed as the situation unfolds.