Measles

What is Measles?

Measles, also known as Rubeola, is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious health complications. It spreads easily through the air when someone infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after exposure. You can also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. A non-immune person has a 90% chance of becoming infected if they are exposed to someone with measles.

For current status of cases in Texas, visit the TX Department of State Health Services.

Measles Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear. Measles typically begins with:

• High fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes: The fever may spike up to 104 degrees, and white spots may show in the mouth.
• Rash: Appears 3–5 days after symptoms begin, starting at the hairline and spreading down the body. Small raised bumps may appear on the red spots. The rash is not usually itchy.

Measles is contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.

Why Is This Important?

Measles can lead to serious complications, especially for younger children and older adults. Complications may include:

• Ear infections, which can cause permanent hearing loss.
• Diarrhea
• Pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling), both of which can be life-threatening.
• Hospitalization: Approximately 1 in 5 unvaccinated people with measles will need to be hospitalized.
• 1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles die.

Am I at Risk?

UT Austin students must be immunized against measles before they can register for classes. For details on our immunization and medical clearance requirements, click here. To check your vaccine status, visit your MyUHS portal. Anyone who has not been vaccinated, has only received one dose, or has not had measles before, is at risk—especially if they have been in contact with someone who has the virus.

Do I Need the Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated against measles to protect yourself. Most people receive the vaccine when they are children.

The measles vaccine is part of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) vaccine series. Two doses of the vaccine provide the best protection, with one dose being about 93% effective and two doses yielding an effectiveness of 97-99%.

I’m Experiencing Symptoms. What Should I Do?

If you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine or know that you are immune based on antibody levels, no further action is needed. If you have questions regarding suspicious symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

If you have not been vaccinated, have only one dose of the vaccine or know you are not immune and have measles symptoms, it is important to seek medical care right away.

• Students: Call University Health Services (UHS) at 512-471-4955, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-NURS (6877) before coming to UHS. This helps reduce exposure risk to others.

I’ve Been Exposed But Not Having Symptoms. What Should I Do?

If you have never received an MMR vaccine and have had an exposure to a known measles contact, you should promptly receive a dose of MMR as post-exposure prophylaxis. The vaccine must be administered within the first 72 hours following the exposure. If your exposure occurred greater than 72 hours ago, call UHS to discuss treatment options to reduce your risk of developing illness. If you need to complete your vaccine series, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible once symptoms begin.

• Students who were exposed less than 72 hours ago can call the Allergy, Immunization and Travel Clinic at 512-475-8301 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to schedule an appointment for an MMR vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Students who were exposed over 72 hours ago: Call University Health Services (UHS) at 512-471-4955, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-NURS (6877).

Preventing the Spread

Even if you do not have measles or aren’t currently sick, you can take steps to prevent the spread of illness to others:

• Stay home from class, work and social events if you are feeling unwell.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have been in contact with someone who has measles, or you are concerned about your symptoms.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues properly.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid sharing drinks, food or smoking devices.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, desks, phones) regularly to reduce the risk of contamination.

By taking these precautions, you help keep yourself and others safe, even if you are not showing symptoms.

Additional Resources

• UT Austin Students: Call the 24/7 UHS Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-NURS (6877)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
• See below chart for vaccine recommendations by age from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Complete MMR recommendations (PDF).

MMR Vaccine Recommendations Summary

Age/Status	Recommendations
Under one year of age	Under routine circumstances MMR is not recommended for children under 12 months of age. MMR can be given to children as young as six months of age if they have been exposed, if they are in an outbreak setting, or if they are travelling to a measles-endemic area. Children who receive MMR before their first birthday should receive two additional doses according to the routine schedule.
1-6 years old	The first MMR dose is recommended at 12-15 months of age.The second MMR dose is recommended at 4-6 years of age. If both doses are needed for catch-up, they should be given at least 28 days apart.
7-19 years old	Children who have not received two doses of MMR should get the vaccine. If both doses are needed for catch-up, they should be given at least 28 days apart.
Adults	Adults who have not had two doses of MMR and have not had the measles should get the vaccine if they meet the following criteria: Born after 1957 Attend school beyond high school (e.g. college, trade school) Work or volunteer in a healthcare facility of any type Travel internationally, including on cruise ships Women of childbearing age (and not currently pregnant)
Pregnant women	Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine.
People exposed to measles	People exposed to measles should receive MMR within 72 hours of exposure if they are: Not fully vaccinated or had measles, and Born after 1957, and Over six months of age, and Not pregnant, and Not immunocompromised