Health Center Encourages Community to Check Immunization Status to Protect Against Measles

Currently, the U.S. is experiencing a measles outbreak with over 1,200 cases confirmed in 31 states. While 75 percent of these cases were reported in New York, at least one case has been reported in several surrounding states including Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. No measles cases have been identified in Arkansas, but Pat Walker Health Center wants to ensure the University of Arkansas campus is prepared for this potential and serious public health concern.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person, and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. The virus can also live for up to two hours in an airspace where an infected person coughed or sneezed. About 90 percent of individuals exposed to the measles virus become infected if they are not immune to it.

Best Way to Protect: Vaccination

The best way to keep from getting and spreading measles is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization. One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus, and two doses are about 97 percent effective.

In the event of Measles transmission on campus, those not immune or previously immunized, may be quarantined for 21 days by the Arkansas Department of Health.

Health center officials encourage all students, faculty and staff to check their immunization status to ensure they are protected.

If you know your immunization status for measles (born before 1957, evidence of two MMR vaccinations or serological evidence of immunity), then you are protected.

If you are unsure about your vaccination status, contact Pat Walker Health Center, or check with your medical provider during your annual wellness exam. The health center's Allergy, Immunization & Travel Clinic can assist in updating your immunization status.

What to Look Out For?

Measles symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include:

• high fever
• cough
• runny nose
• watery eyes

Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.

Measles also produces a rash that appears three to five days after the first symptoms. The rash starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

If you suspect you have measles, call your primary care provider or Pat Walker Health Center at 479-575-4451 or 479-575-7723 before visiting the facility.

Additional Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control
• Arkansas Department of Health

For questions, call Pat Walker Health Center at 479-575-4451.