Measles

You have probably heard about the growing number of measles cases in the U.S. this year. Outbreaks in countries in which Americans travel can directly contribute to an increase in measles in the US.

Here are some FAQ’s and resources on measles and the vaccine used to prevent it.

Are you protected from measles? Measles is easily spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes on someone who has not been vaccinated. Most people get MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccines as a child. Adults are considered protected if you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

What can you do to make sure you are protected from measles? Check with your doctor to make sure you had MMR vaccines when you were younger. The vaccine is very effective. If you do not have vaccination records, there is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine.

If you haven’t had an MMR , it’s not too late! You can receive an MMR vaccine at most physicians’ offices or at Student Health Services. Check out our vaccine information and call us at 316-978-4792 or just come in and ask to get an MMR vaccine.

How can you tell if you might be getting measles? A typical case of measles begins with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. Three to five days later, a red or reddish-brown rash appears. The rash usually begins on a person’s face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. After a few days, the fever subsides and the rash fades.

If you start to have symptoms of measles, please stay home, away from others, and call your doctor or Student Health Services (316-978-4792).

Check out these links to learn more about measles:

Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment               https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/epi/measles.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention          https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html

 

March 20, 2025