Measles Information

This does not replace medical advice. If you have a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Our top priority is the health and well-being of our students and all members of our campus community. The following information is to help inform our campus about measles to ensure everyone stays healthy and informed.

• Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, if a person has measles, about 9 out of 10 people nearby who are not vaccinated may also become sick. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area. The best protection against measles is vaccination, such as the MMR vaccine.
• See Denison’s Vaccination Policy.
• Read more about measles at the Ohio Department of Health.

Important: If you are exposed to someone with measles, you will need to quickly provide proof of your measles (MMR) vaccination to avoid a 21-day quarantine.

• It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your vaccination records accessible while on campus so you can easily provide it if necessary.
• If you cannot locate your records, you can receive one dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to help prevent quarantine.
• If you are preparing for travel, we strongly recommend bringing a copy of your vaccination record with you in case you need it.

The main symptom of measles is a red rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include:

• Fever — typically very high (up to 105 degrees)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Tired, achy, and run-down feeling
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth
• Rash that usually develops 2-4 days after onset of respiratory symptoms and fever.

• Please self-isolate and call Hoaglin immediately (614-366-9489) to determine next steps.
• If you suspect that you or someone you’re caring for has measles and you’re seeking medical care, it’s critical that you call ahead and alert Hoaglin so that precautions can be taken there before you arrive. Patients with measles symptoms will have a mask put on them upon arrival and be placed in airborne isolation, which will help prevent them from infecting others.

• The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. In the U.S., two doses of the vaccine have been standard for children since 1989.
• The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

If you are unsure of your vaccination status, here’s what you can do:

• Check your records.
  • You may need help from your parents or medical provider to review any past immunization records. You can also request Hoaglin Wellness Center staff to review your vaccination record.
  • If you cannot locate your vaccination records, we recommend one of the following options:
    • Get a titer test.
      • A titer test is a blood test that measures the specific concentration of antibodies in your blood to determine immunity against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and chickenpox. It helps determine if you need a vaccine booster, have had a past infection, or have sufficient protection without revaccination
      • By appointment the Hoaglin Wellness Center can perform this testing for you.
    • Get vaccinated.
      • Vaccinations are available at:
        • Hoaglin Wellness Center - call 740-587-6200 for an appointment.
        • Licking County Health Department — Please call 740-349-6535 to schedule an appointment.
        • Most pharmacies can also provide MMR vaccinations. We recommend you call first to verify the vaccination is available and to determine if an appointment is needed.
      • In most cases, health insurance plans cover 100% for preventive services, including vaccinations. We recommend you check with your insurance plan to verify/determine coverage for MMR vaccination.

• The measles virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
• Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
• CDC indicates that measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. Nearly 90% of susceptible (unvaccinated) people with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles.

Measles is a virus and is usually self-limiting. Supportive care is recommended based on your symptoms. Supportive care can include over-the-counter nasal decongestants, cough drops, cough syrup, and medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage fever and mild pain. *There may be other treatment options for complications (pneumonia, ear infections, etc.).