University Takes Precautions After Campus Visitor Exhibits Rash Illness

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – An international visitor to the University of Arkansas campus was hospitalized Thursday with symptoms consistent with possible measles infection two days after arriving in Fayetteville to participate in the Walmart shareholders meeting. The Arkansas Department of Health is investigating the illness and expects the lab results later today.

As a precautionary measure, the Arkansas Department of Health immunized all people who were potentially exposed. The university notified all staff who fell into that category and provided them the opportunity to be immunized at a clinic conducted Friday and Saturday in Yocum Hall.

“The health and safety of all members of, and visitors to, our campus community is our primary concern,” said Mary Alice Serafini, director of the Pat Walker Health Center. “Even though we know that this individual has exhibited some symptoms that are consistent with measles, it is not known if, in fact, the individual is infected with this disease. The risk of an outbreak of measles, mumps or rubella is negligible here in the United States where we have a generally high rate of MMR immunization among the general public and certainly on our campus. We informed all staff members who could have possibly had close contact with the sick visitor so they could make an informed decision about their personal health.

“We are grateful to the Arkansas Department of Health for their expertise and quick isolation of this event. This serves as an important reminder for people to be sure they have their immunizations,” Serafini said.

According to the Pat Walker Health Center, measles is a common disease in developing countries. It has an incubation period of 7 to 21 days with an average of 14 days. A person who is infected with the disease is contagious for four days before a rash develops and four days after the rash disappears.

In the United States, most of the population has been immunized against measles more than once in their lifetime. There were only 140 cases in all of the United States in 2008, and none in Arkansas, according to information from the Arkansas Department of Health.

Arkansas State Law requires that all students must present two immunizations against measles/mumps/rubella before being admitted to the university.

Although the possibility of contracting measles is minimal, Debbie Pledger, communicable disease specialist for the Arkansas Department of Health, advised anyone who develops a fever or rash to call their doctor or the Washington County Health Department. Pledger recommended calling first rather than going to the doctor. The doctor or health department will advise callers over the phone of any next steps to take.

Although the University of Arkansas has other activities on campus this week, none of the activities, including freshman orientation and a cheerleading camp, will use Yocum Hall. The Walmart shareholders meeting, an annual event held on campus, concluded Friday.

More information may be found on the Arkansas Department of Health website.