Measles (Rubeola)

The best way to protect against measles is to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. Talk to your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, especially if you are planning to travel.

• Other preventative actions:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or paper towel when coughing or sneezing
  • Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects
  • Improve ventilation and filtration in indoor spaces to prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air; spend time outside when possible
  • Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with others

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, cold symptoms (runny nose, head congestion, sneezing), and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out days later, starting at the head and spreading to the rest of the body. The rash can last for a week, and coughing can last for 10 days. Measles can cause serious health complications during the infection as well as months to years later, including pneumonia or encephalitis, and even death.

A person infected with measles is contagious beginning four days prior to rash onset, through four days after the rash appears. Isolation of an actively infectious case lasts until four full days have passed after the onset of the rash. Dates of isolation are determined by the PA DOH. Quarantine for measles is for exposed individuals without documented immunity and lasts for 21 days after last exposure per PA DOH guidelines. If a person without documented immunity receives a dose of MMR vaccine within 72 hours after exposure, they will not have to quarantine.

How to Avoid Quarantine
 

• Students — Submit Your Vaccination Record to Health Services
  • Click here to submit your vaccination record with proof of full MMR vaccination via CU Health Services to avoid quarantine. If you are unsure whether your record is on file or need assistance with the submission process, please reach out to your campus health center.
  • If you do not have access to your vaccination record, please contact your home health care provider.
  • Residents of Pennsylvania may request a copy of their vaccination record from via the Authorization for Release of Immunizations Records on PA.gov.
     
• Employees — Have Your Vaccination Record on Hand
  • Be prepared to provide your vaccination record or proof of immunity to the PA DOH if a measles case is confirmed, or an outbreak occurs on one of our campuses.
  • If you do not have access to your vaccination record or known immunity to the disease, please contact your health care provider to discuss next steps.
  • Residents of Pennsylvania may request a copy of their vaccination record from via the Authorization for Release of Immunizations Records on PA.gov.

• Meningitis Vaccine
• Student Statement of Understanding
• CU Communicable Diseases Response Plan