Last month, I wrote an article for CU-Boulder Today titled 鈥�,鈥� containing the latest news and data on measles cases across the United States. Today, I want to provide you a situational update and also highly encourage you to get the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine if you have not already done so.听
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are . This includes our state after one case was discovered in Colorado Springs last month.
Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that is transmitted primarily through coughing and sneezing of an infected individual. The virus remains viable for up to two hours on surfaces and in the air, so places where a contagious person has been can also be infectious. Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated persons can become infected.
Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Measles starts with a fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and white spots inside the mouth (Koplick Spots), and these symptoms occur two to four days prior to developing a rash which generally begins on the head, neck and behind the ears. The rash then spreads to the rest of the body and persists for three to five days.听
You can protect yourself from measles by being fully immunized (although the vaccine is not 100 percent effective throughout a lifetime). The CDC recommends that all U.S. residents ages 12 months and older be vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine and testing for measles immunity are available for students at Wardenburg Health Center. Staff and faculty who are interested in testing their immunity or obtaining the vaccine should contact their health care provider.
In addition, you should be aware that, in the event of a local outbreak of measles, state law enables public health agencies to quarantine and/or exclude non-immune or unvaccinated individuals from various campus activities (including classes) and sites. The best way to avoid quarantine or exclusion is to provide proof of measles immunity or, for those who are not immune, to be vaccinated.
For information on how to obtain your vaccination records visit .
As is true for viral illnesses in general, there is no cure for the measles. Supportive care, such as fluids to limit dehydration and medication for fever, are the mainstays of treatment. If you do not have severe symptoms you can stay home and away from the public until four days after the rash first appears. Self-isolation is the most important measure for limiting the spread to others. In addition, you can prevent the spread of virus by coughing and sneezing into your sleeve, and avoid sharing utensils, cups, and lip balm. Kissing should also be avoided.
For more information about measles, contact Boulder County Public Health, Communicable Disease Division at 303-413-7500 or visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website at .
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Sincerely,听
Donald A. Misch, M.D.
Senior Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness