Measles

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life threatening viral disease that spreads very easily from person to person. Early symptoms resemble a cold or the flu, including cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a red, blotchy rash typically begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The illness usually lasts one to two weeks.

Yes. Measles frequently causes complications such as diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. More serious outcomes, including deafness, blindness, seizure disorders, and other brain diseases, are less common but possible. In rare cases, measles can cause swelling of the brain or death. The disease is especially dangerous for children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.

Measles is more easily spread than almost any other infectious disease. The virus lives in the nose and throat of an infected person and becomes airborne when they sneeze, cough, or talk. It can remain in the air for up to two hours. People with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after its onset. Symptoms typically begin 10–14 days after exposure. If you are unaware of your vaccine status, you may need to isolate for 21 days if there is a risk of exposure to measles.

• Anyone who has never had measles and has never been vaccinated
• Adults vaccinated between 1957 and 1968, when some early vaccines did not provide lasting protection
• Babies under 12 months old, who are too young to be vaccinated
• A small percentage of vaccinated individuals who may not have developed full immunity

The UMass Student Immunization Program office verifies student immunization records. Student compliance with the MMR vaccine requirement in 2026 is:

• Undergraduate students: 97%
• Graduate students: 96%

Faculty and staff vaccination rates are not tracked.

The best way to stop measles is by getting vaccinated. In the United States, almost everyone gets vaccinated, which has stopped the spread of measles for over 20 years. Before vaccines, almost every child got measles, and many got very sick or even died.

In Massachusetts, students must get two doses of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) prior to matriculation in school - including university undergraduate and graduate students. This helps keep everyone safe from measles. You can find more information about these rules here.

If you don't have proof of getting the vaccine or if you have a waiver, you might have to stay home (quarantine) if there are any cases of measles in our area. This helps stop the disease from spreading to others.

If you are exposed to measles and are not immune, you need to stay home from the 7th day after your first exposure until the 21st day after your last exposure. If you get measles, you need to stay home until 5 days after the rash appears.

• Fever: High fever that can go over 104°F
• Cough: Dry cough
• Runny nose: Runny nose and sneezing
• Red eyes: Red, watery eyes
• Rash: Red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
• Koplik Spots: Tiny white spots inside the mouth

You can prove you are immune to measles by ensuring you have two doses of MMR vaccine. Check your vaccination records or get a blood test (called a titer) that shows you have antibodies against measles. If you don't have proof, it's a good idea to get vaccinated.

If you are a UMass student, you can check your immunization records on the UMass Patient Portal (log in and go to Action Items > Immunization Records, then click the green "print" button to download your records). Alternatively, you can use the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS).

Most people who got two doses of the MMR vaccine as children are protected for life and do not need a booster dose. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor.

Infants six months through eleven months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to international travel.

Vaccination is very important because it protects you and others in your community. When 95% of people are vaccinated, it stops the spread of measles. In the US, vaccination has prevented many cases and saved lives.

If you travel to places where measles is common, you are at higher risk of getting measles. Make sure you are vaccinated at least 2 weeks before you travel. Watch for signs of measles for 3 weeks after you return.

• Get vaccinated: Make sure you get both doses of the MMR vaccine.
• Stay home if sick: If you have measles, stay away from others until you are better.
• Wash hands: Wash your hands often to keep germs away.
• Wear a mask: If you have measles, wearing a mask can help stop the spread.

Most insurance plans, including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, cover routine vaccines without any cost to you if you go to an in-network provider. If you are not sure, contact your insurance company. If you don't have insurance, you may qualify for free or low-cost vaccines through your local public health programs.

The measles vaccine is very safe, and many carefully done studies have shown no link to autism. The vaccine is the best defense against measles because there is no treatment for the disease. Getting vaccinated is much safer than getting the measles.

If you have any questions about your immunity, ask your doctor. They can help you understand your immunization records and whether you need any additional vaccines. Students can contact the Student Immunization Program (SIP) to discuss their measles immunity.

If you think you might have measles or have been exposed to measles, always call your healthcare provider before coming in to be seen. For UMass, you can call University Health Services (UHS) at (413) 577-5000.

• https://www.mass.gov/doc/immunization-requirements-for-school-entry-1/download 
• https://www.mass.gov/info-details/measles   
• https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html