Measles

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is currently monitoring measles activity due to reported cases in surrounding states.

Click the tabs below for more information:

Measles in Universities

According to the CDC, unvaccinated students in universities are at increased risk of measles infection.  

Measles spreads more easily than COVID-19, particularly in shared indoor spaces such as classrooms and residence halls.

UTC requires all students to provide proof of immunity to measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases or present a valid exemption as a condition of enrollment. 

Measles Symptoms and Complications

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is extremely contagious—if one person has measles, up to 9 out of 10 unprotected people exposed may become infected.

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Common Symptoms of Measles:

•    High fever greater than 101F
•   Cough
•    Runny Nose (coryza)
•    Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
•    Rash (starting 3-5 days after symptoms begin)

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Symptoms begin around 7 to 14 days after exposure

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Individuals are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it emerges. 

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Potential Complications:

•    Secondary infections like ear infections
•    Diarrhea
•    Severe complications can include pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain)

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   Hospitalization. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.

Measles Prevention and the MMR Vaccine

Measles is preventable through vaccination. 

The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective. 

One dose of the MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective against measles, while two doses (the complete series) are about 97% effective.

The MMR vaccine is routinely administered as part of the childhood immunization schedule at 12–15 months and again at 4–6 years of age. 

Measles Immunity Status

Immunity to measles is generally assumed if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Documentation of two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
• Birth before 1957
• Laboratory confirmation of prior measles infection (positive titer)
• Laboratory evidence of immunity to measles (positive titer)

Not sure of your vaccination status? Log in to your UTC Medicat Patient Portal:

• Select “Get Started” under University Health Services
• Choose the “Immunizations” tab
• click Print

UTC Health Services can collect titers by appointment for any student, staff or faculty who are unsure of their immunization status. Call 423.425.2266 to schedule. 

Measles Exposure and Next Steps

• If a case of measles is connected to UTC, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) in conjunction with the local county health department will require individuals who were exposed to provide proof of immunity to avoid a mandatory quarantine period of 21 days following the last exposure.
  • See the “Are You Immune?” section above
  • Students, staff or faculty without documented immunity (including those with any exemptions) may be required to quarantine if directed by TDH.
  • Students who previously filed an exemption may choose to receive vaccination if desired.
• Individuals without documented immunity who receive a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may not be required to quarantine.

What to Do If you Feel Sick 

If you are experiencing symptoms of measles OR have been exposed, stay home and away from others. Call and inform the staff before going anywhere to seek care.

You can call 423-425-2266 for an appointment at UHS.