Measles (Rubeola)

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads very easily from person to person. Stonehill College Health Services is actively monitoring the status of the measles outbreak in the United States and other international destinations and has updated its health and safety plans per guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC.

We urge all students to be up to date with two Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccines (MMR).

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Cough
  •  High fever
  • Runny nose
  •  Red, watery eyes
  •  3-5 days after respiratory symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash starts on the face, which then spreads to the rest of the body.
  • Severe cases of measles can lead to serious health problems, such as diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis.

Transmission:

Over the past year, there has been both a global and domestic increase in measles cases. Measles outbreaks occur mainly among unvaccinated individuals and is most dangerous for children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

A patient can become infected through inhalation of the virus, or by touching something with the virus on it then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. People with measles can spread the disease 4 days before the rash begins until 4 days after the rash onset. The first symptoms appear 10 - 14 days after a person is exposed.

Testing:

Measles can initially look like a cold, flu or other diseases that cause a rash, so the only sure way to know if you have measles is to get tested. Testing is usually done on a swab from your nose or throat, and on blood.

Prevention:

Vaccination with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine helps protect against Measles disease. The CDC states that two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and protection is long-lasting. One dose is about 93% effective.

Stay Informed:

For more information on Measles, the MMR Vaccine and the recent Measles Advisory please visit the links below:

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