Measles: What You Need to Know

Measles

Measles is a serious highly contagious respiratory infection that is easily spread through the air when an infected individual breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. 90% of those exposed to measles will become infected if they are not immune.

Measles complications, though rare, are serious and can result in life-threatening conditions in people of all ages. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:

  • About 1 in 4 people with measles require hospitalization.
  • 1 of every 1,000 people with measles develop brain inflammation.
  • 1 or 2 out of every 1,000 people will die even with the best care.

Among childhood rash/fever illnesses, measles is the deadliest. Vaccination with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles infection.

What You Should Do

Check your immunization status in the Student Health Center Patient Portal.

  • Log into the Patient Portal.
  • Select the "Clearances and Forms" tab.
    • Scroll to the "Additional Items Not Required for Clearance" section.
    • Check you immunization status.
      • Compliant: A compliant measles status indicates you are immunized and protected against measles.
      • Not-Compliant: A not-compliant measles status indicates the Student Health Center does not have your measles vaccination records.

If you don't have proof of vaccination with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccines, please check with your healthcare provider or the Student Health Center (323.343.3302) for recommendations.

Measles Symptoms Include:

  • High fever (higher than 101 degrees)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Rash that develops after the start of initial symptoms
    • The measles rash starts at the hairline of the face, and moves down the face to the body, arms, legs and feet

If You Develop Symptoms:

  • Stay at home. Avoid school, work and any gatherings.
  • Call a healthcare provider or the Student Health Center (323.343.3302) immediately. Do not enter the Student Health Center or other healthcare facility before calling and making them aware of your measles exposure and/or symptoms.

  • Review your immunization and medical records to see if you are protected against measles.
  • Contact your healthcare provider or the Student Health Center (323.343.3302):
    • About the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination if you haven't had the measles infection or received measles immunization.
    • As soon as possible if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have an infant who was exposed.
  • Monitor yourself for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash for 21 days after the exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop).

More About Measles

Measles is one of the most contagious infections in the world, in part because the virus can survive on surfaces and in the air for hours after an infected person is no longer present at a location. In addition, an infected person can spread measles to others from 4 days before the measles rash starts to 4 days after the rash begins.

People can become infected by:

  • Breathing measles-contaminated air
  • Touching a contaminated surface or item then touching their eyes, noses, or mouths.

Vaccination with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.

For those who don't have evidence of immunity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends measles vaccination for:

  • College students
  • International travelers
  • Healthcare personnel
  • Close contacts of immunocompromised people
  • People with HIV infection
  • Adults who got inactivated measles vaccine
  • Those at increased risk during a measles outbreak

Complications from measles infections develop in approximately 30% of those infected. Children under 5 years old and adults over 20 years of age are at higher risk for complications, though complications are serious for all age groups. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea.

Severe Complications

Severe complications include:

  • Pneumonia: A serious lung infection which is the number one cause of death for children with measles.
  • Encephalitis: Swelling of the brain which can lead to convulsions, loss of hearing, vision problems, cognitive disability, coma, and death.
  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: A rare, but fatal, central nervous system disease that can develop 7-10 years after a person has had the measles.