Know the Facts About Measles

Dear Campus Community,

According to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency there are currently no confirmed cases of measles in San Diego County. However, you may be aware there has been a marked increase in cases of measles in California and elsewhere in the nation. Last month, two universities in Southern California experienced a case of measles exposure, requiring public health officials to quarantine some of their employees and students who were unvaccinated (or unable to show proof of vaccination or immunity).

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be spread by person-to-person contact or through the air. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours, even after a person leaves a room.  Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.

At CSUSM, the well-being and safety of our students, faculty and staff are among our highest priorities. Due to the highly contagious nature of this virus, CSUSM is strongly recommending that students, faculty and staff members take steps to protect their health and the health of those around them by making sure their measles vaccination is up to date.

For Students

If you are unsure of your vaccination status or would like more general information, please contact Student Health & Counseling Services at 760-750-4915 or your primary care provider

For Faculty and Staff

If you are unsure of your vaccination status, you are encouraged to check with your medical provider to determine your status or to get vaccinated.  

Measles protection

In general, the CDC considers adults and international travelers protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:

• You received two (2) doses of measles vaccine, at least 28 days apart, at some point in your childhood or as an adult
• You were born in or before 1957 (due to no measles vaccine, measles was widespread and people born before this time were almost certainly exposed, and therefore developed lifelong immunity)

A laboratory has confirmed you have immunity Measles Symptoms

Symptoms can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery, red and watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Complications from measles can be serious and can include deafness, pneumonia, swelling in the brain, and for pregnant women, premature birth or low birth weight baby.  Children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from measles complications.

If you suspect you have measles, call your primary care provider first before visiting the office in person.

For more information on measles, visit the Health and Human Services Agency, the California Department of Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You can also visit the CDC Measles FAQs in English or Spanish.