Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours. Measles can be a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles even if you are exposed to someone with the virus. For those who have not been vaccinated, simply being in the same room with someone who has measles — even if they have no symptoms — is enough to become infected.
Recent measles cases and outbreaks identified by the Centers for Disease Control
Symptoms of Measles
- High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Additionally, tiny white spots (called Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth, followed by a rash that breaks out at the hairline on the face and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
Guidance for Measles Exposure
If you begin to develop symptoms, do not go to a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare provider without calling ahead to inform them you may have measles.
If you are a student, contact UHS by calling 608-265-5600 (option 1). All others, contact your health care provider.
If you have been vaccinated against measles
If you were exposed to measles or think you may have been exposed:
- You do not need to quarantine.
- Your risk is low. Monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure date.
- If you are a student, visit MyUHS confirm that you have shared your vaccination status with campus.
If you are not vaccinated against measles
If you were exposed to measles or think you may have been:
- Contact your instructors or supervisor for flexibility.
- If you are a student, contact UHS by calling 608-265-5600 (option 1). All others, contact your health care provider. Do not go to a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare facility without calling first.
- You are required to quarantine for 21 days from the date of exposure in accordance with public health guidance. Do not go to class, work, or other public places. Do not use public transportation.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Immunity Against Measles
Many people received a series of two MMR vaccines when they were a child. The MMR vaccine is a common requirement for public schools because of the serious health effects of measles and how contagious it is.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, you can look it up in your state vaccine registry.
You are considered protected against measles if:
- You have received the recommended number of measles-containing vaccines (e.g. MMR) based on your situation. This depends on your age and exposure risk.
- A lab test confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
- A lab test confirmed that you are immune to measles.
- You were born before 1957.
Locating Vaccination Records
- 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 using this portal.
- You may also contact your primary care provider to obtain your records.
- Those vaccinated outside of the United States may need to contact their physician in the country in which they were vaccinated to obtain their immunization records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically appears 3–5 days after symptoms begin.
For every one person who gets measles, up to 18 unvaccinated people will become infected. That makes measles about 9 times more infectious than COVID-19. However, measles is highly preventable. About 94% of cases have been among people who are unvaccinated or didn’t know their vaccine status.
Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through respiratory droplets and can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours. Being exposed to measles happens when you are in the same area as someone who has measles or in that area for up to two hours after the infected person left. Simply being in the same room with someone who has measles — even if they do not have visible symptoms — is enough to become infected if you have not received the measles vaccine.
Many people received a series of two MMR vaccines when they were a child. The MMR vaccine is a common requirement for public schools because of the serious health effects of measles and how contagious it is. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and is our most important tool to prevent infection and further spread of the disease.
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 using this portal. You may also contact your primary care provider to obtain your records.
If you have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine, vaccination is strongly recommended. If the MMR vaccine is given within 72 hours of exposure, it may reduce the risk of developing measles or result in a milder illness. Even if more than 72 hours have passed, vaccination is still recommended to protect against future exposure and help prevent further spread on campus. Vaccination does not provide immediate protection from the current exposure, which is why quarantine is still required until your immunity status is reviewed and you are officially cleared.
Students can receive the MMR vaccine at UHS for a fee. Many immunizations administered at UHS, including the MMR vaccine, are fully covered for members and spouses/partners under the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). You can also receive the vaccine at local Madison pharmacies or your health care provider.