We are closely following recent outbreaks and cases in the United States. Currently there have been no cases in the Five College area or in Massachusetts.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, which means it spreads easily through the air from an infected person to others. In fact, an infected person can spread it to 9 out of 10 people they expose if those people are not immune.
Measles can make you very sick with a fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. Sometimes it can cause serious problems like pneumonia, hearing loss, encephalitis or rarely even death.
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.
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.
| Group | Immunity Information |
| Born before 1957 | People born before 1957 are usually considered immune because they likely had measles. |
| Health science students | Health science students must have two doses of the MMR vaccine, regardless of birth date. |
| Vaccine before 1968 | Some vaccines given before 1968 were less effective. People vaccinated with inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or a vaccine of unknown type should consider getting a measles vaccine booster. |
| Campers at UMass | Campers coming to UMass must be vaccinated according to the Massachusetts school immunization requirements. |
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.
Recently, there have been 301 cases of measles in 14 states. Most of these cases are in children who were not vaccinated. The biggest outbreak is in west Texas, where a child who didn't get the vaccine died from measles. This shows how important it is to get vaccinated.
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.
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. You can also email PHPC@umass.edu for more information about requirements or how to check your records.
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.