UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State officials are encouraging the community to protect themselves against measles amid recently reported cases in Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the United States.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. Symptoms can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, rash and red, watery eyes. Tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, also may develop inside the mouth.
No confirmed measles cases have been reported at the University Park campus or other Penn State campuses at this time, although there are confirmed cases in counties home to 10 campuses. University Health Services (UHS) is encouraging students to learn about measles and take precautions, particularly if they plan to travel internationally or to areas experiencing measles activity.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure but can be up to 21 days. The rash will usually appear two to four days after the onset of fever. People with measles generally are considered contagious from four days before through four days after the rash appears.
Students who do not have presumed immunity — either through documentation of two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or through a previous measles infection — should contact UHS or their primary care provider to discuss vaccination. Penn State does require the MMR vaccine for all incoming, degree-seeking students to support herd immunity.
Faculty and staff also are encouraged to connect with their healthcare provider to discuss vaccination options. Everyone is encouraged to locate their vaccination information or proof of immunity, if available, to better understand their risk of exposure.
Frequently asked questions
What if I was never vaccinated against measles?
Anyone who does not have presumed immunity to measles should contact UHS or a primary care provider as soon as possible to discuss receiving the MMR vaccine.
In the event of a measles exposure or outbreak, non-immune individuals or those individuals without documented presumed immunity may be excluded from campus until the public health threat has passed. The length of an exclusion could vary depending on the circumstances of the outbreak.
What if I have no immunity to measles and I was exposed?
Individuals who have received no doses of the MMR vaccine and do not have positive titers who have a known exposure to measles can receive the MMR vaccine if given within 72 hours of exposure.
If I was vaccinated, am I protected?
The MMR vaccine provides strong protection against measles. The best way to protect yourself and the campus community is to ensure that your vaccination record is up to date. The measles component of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two.
Measles remains common in some parts of the world, and travelers can bring the disease into the United States. Measles can spread when it reaches communities where groups of people are not vaccinated or are not fully vaccinated.
Students who are unsure of their vaccination status should review their immunization records and contact UHS or their primary care provider with questions.
What should I do if I develop measles symptoms?
Students who develop measles symptoms or believe they may have been exposed should call the UHS Advice Nurse at 814-865-4847, option 3, before going to the Student Health Center.
Because measles is highly contagious, anyone who is suspected of having measles should wear a mask before entering a healthcare facility and follow instructions from healthcare personnel.
Individuals with suspected or confirmed measles should avoid contact with others and follow guidance from their healthcare provider and public health officials. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications may help ease symptoms, but students should consult a healthcare provider before taking medication.