Measles

 Measles and Vaccine Facts

• What is measles?

  Measles is an extremely contagious illness that starts with respiratory symptoms, followed by a characteristic rash. Symptoms generally begin 7-14 days after exposure, and start with:

  • A high fever (101 F/ 38 C or higher; may spike to more than 104 F/ 40 C)
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Conjunctivitis (red, watery, swollen eyes, or “pink eye”)
  • Small white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik spots)

   

  The characteristic rash generally starts a few days after the initial respiratory symptoms, as flat, red spots on the face and upper neck. The rash then spreads to the rest of the body over a period of about three days.

  For most people, symptoms resolve within 10-14 days, though complications may occur. Common complications include ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea.

  There is no specific treatment for measles, once diagnosed. Treatment generally focuses on relieving symptoms or treating secondary infections (such as antibiotics for secondary pneumonia).

  An infected person is contagious (or can spread the virus to others) from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the rash appears. Since early symptoms are similar to other diseases, unvaccinated individuals should monitor for early symptoms and isolate at the first sign.

  Measles is one of the most infectious diseases. Ninety percent of people with no immunity to the measles virus (either by immunization or prior infection) will become infected after exposure.

• How does measles spread?

  Measles is an airborne virus that spreads when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left. This means you do not need to be in direct or close contact with an infected person to be infected yourself.

• Measles can be severe and cause long-term complications

  While most people recover from measles, it can be serious - and even deadly! Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, an estimated 400-500 people in the US died each year. In addition, 48,000 people were hospitalized and 1,000 people suffered encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

  The CDC estimates that about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles will be hospitalized, and about 1-3 in every 1,000 cases will die.

  Serious complications can include blindness, encephalitis, neurologic issues, and severe breathing problems, including pneumonia. Measles can also cause premature birth if contracted during pregnancy.

  Long-term complications can also occur.

  • Immune amnesia - the measles virus wipes out the immune system’s memory. This includes immunity to prior infections and prior vaccinations, leaving the individual vulnerable to other infections.
  • Immune amnesia can last for several years after a measles infection and may require re-vaccination against other diseases.
  • In rare cases, measles can cause brain or nervous system illness years after infection. This includes a rare, fatal complication called subacute sclerosis panencephalitis, or SSPE, which appears 7-11 years after a measles infection.

  Complications are most common among young children (under age 5), and people over the age of 20. Individuals with weakened immune systems, including during pregnancy, are also at increased risk. That said, complications can occur in anyone.

• What can I do now?

  Weber State University encourages all members of our campus community to verify your vaccination status and ensure that you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. Missed doses are common, especially if you were born before 1989 (when only one dose was recommended), so don’t assume - double check!

• How do you check your vaccine records?

  Most healthcare providers in the state of Utah are connected to the Utah Statewide Immunization Information System (USIIS). Obtaining records reported to USIIS is quick and easy using the Docket app or directly through USIIS. Several other states (including Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Washington DC) also use the Docket app. If you were immunized in one of these participating states, this is the quickest and easiest way to verify that you have two doses of the MMR. 

   

  If you were immunized in a different US state, contact that state’s Immunization Information System (IIS). 

  Different countries manage vaccination records differently. If you were immunized outside of the US, check with your country’s health system for more information.

• Do I need a booster?

  For most people, two doses of the MMR provides life-long immunity to measles. No booster is necessary.

  One dose of the MMR is 93% effective at preventing measles. A booster dose is recommended to bump this up to 97%.

  A booster dose is also recommended if you’re unsure of your vaccination status or have incomplete records. There’s no harm in an additional dose, even if you do have two previous doses of the MMR.

• Can I get tested for antibodies?

  Some people may opt for antibody testing - known as a titer test - to verify immunity. A positive titer test indicates immunity, and no booster is needed. A negative test indicates a lack of immunity, so a booster is recommended.

  If you are a currently enrolled WSU student, titer testing for the MMR is covered at Ogden Clinic. If you are an employee, verify coverage before seeking testing.

  When in doubt, however, a booster dose is preferred over titer testing. An extra dose of MMR is safe, and provides more assurance of protection in the long run.

• What if I don’t have insurance coverage for vaccines?

  If you are uninsured, contact your local health department. They may have special funding to assist uninsured individuals with the cost of vaccinations.

  If you have insurance but lack coverage for vaccines (or have a high deductible), call around! Different pharmacies and clinics charge different prices, and it pays to compare!

  If you need additional assistance paying for the MMR vaccine, contact studentwellness@weber.edu.