Disease Spotlight: Measles

 Measles is a highly contagious respiratory viral illness that mainly spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

Measles can spread quickly in close contact settings like college campuses, classrooms, residence halls, athletic facilities and events. If one person has measles, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. 

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.  

 

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure and may include: 

• High fever (often over 101 F) 

• Cough 

• Runny nose 

• Red, watery eyes 

• Rash (red in color that usually starts on the face along the hairline and spreads downward to the rest of the body) 

A person with measles is contagious from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash starts.  

 

How is it spread? 

Measles is very contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person has left the area.  

 

How is it treated? 

There is no specific treatment for measles. Medical care is generally supportive and focuses on relieving the symptoms, making the person comfortable and preventing complications.  

Complications can occur such as ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), hospitalization, and in rare cases death. Complications are most common in children under 5 years old, adults over 20 years old, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system.  

 

How can measles be prevented? 

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccination is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles while one dose if 93% effective.  

If you are unsure of your vaccination status, check your immunization history: 

• If you are from Wisconsin, you can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry 

• If you are from another U.S. state, navigate to your state’s immunization website by using this portal 

• Contact your primary care provider to obtain your records 

If you are interested in getting vaccinated, you can walk-in or schedule an appointment at a local pharmacy (such as Walgreens or CVS) or health care agency within the community (such as Aurora Health Care, ThedaCare, etc). It’s no cost with most insurance. 

If you are uninsured, please contact Winnebago Public Health Department to discuss options for receiving the measles vaccine at no cost. 

 

What to do if you have symptoms? 

If you develop symptoms of measles: 

• Stay home and avoid contact with others. 
• Call the Student Health Center or your healthcare provider to talk through your symptoms and next best steps. 
• Wear a mask when you MUST be around others. 

Early reporting helps protect others on campus 

 

What to do if you were exposed? 

If you think you’ve been exposed to someone with measles: 

• Check your vaccination status 
• Contact the Student Health Center immediately 
• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and notify health personnel if developing symptoms 
• Follow any guidance regarding testing, quarantine, or vaccination.  

Unvaccinated individuals will be required to stay home from class or campus activities with following a known exposure.  

 

Protect Our Campus Community 

You can help prevent outbreaks by: 

• Ensuring you are up to date on vaccinations 

• Staying home when you are sick 

• Reporting all symptoms promptly to a medical provider 

• Follow guidance of medical providers and/or public health  

 

Resources 

• Student Health Center: (920) 424-2424 

• Winnebago Public Health Department: (920) 232-3000 

• CDC Measles Information  

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Measles Information 

• World Health Organization