Measles

Recent News

Frequently Asked Questions about Measles in the U.S.

Measles and the Vaccine (Shot) to Prevent It

CDC Infographic - Get Vaccinated: Prevent and Stop Measles Outbreaks

Did you know?

"Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected." - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Facts

Individuals who have had two measles-mump-rubella (MMR) vaccines have >95% protection against measles.
Measles is serious respiratory disease caused by a virus.
It is highly contagious and can spread quickly among those unvaccinated.
There is no specific cure or treatment for measles.

Measles FAQs

What is the status at UW-Stevens Point?

Students

If you have NOT received the measles vaccine, and develop a high fever or a fever with a rash, you should call UW-Stevens Point Student Health Service at 715-346-4646 to be seen by a clinician.
The Portage County Health Department (715-345-5350), or UW-Stevens Point Student Health Service (715-346-4646), can help arrange for vaccination if you are unvaccinated.

Faculty and Staff

If you have NOT received the measles vaccine, and develop a high fever or a fever with a rash, you should call your health care provider at once.
If you are not vaccinated, your health care provider can help to arrange for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

an increasing fever
coughing
runny nose
red, watery eyes
rash that usually starts on the head and spreads to the rest of the body

Source: CDC Measles Factsheet

If you did not receive the measles vaccine and develop these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

How is measles transmitted?

Measles is spread through coughing and sneezing. If people breathe the contaminated air or touch their eyes, nose or mouth after touching an infected surface, they can become infected.

Source: Transmission of Measles (CDC)

Spread the word, not measles.

Measles is serious. It is a respiratory virus that causes a rash and fever, in rare cases it can be deadly. The virus can spread quickly among those who are unvaccinated. Help us spread the word.

Know the symptoms. Help us prevent it at UWSP. Get vaccinated.

Posters

Prevent it. Get the shot. Measles prevention poster
Can you spot measles? Measles symptoms poster

How long does the virus survive outside the host?

Measles virus can live up to 2 hours on a surface or in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed.

Prevention

Students

The Portage County Health Department (715-345-5350), or UW-Stevens Point Student Health Service (715-346-4646), can help arrange for vaccination if you are unvaccinated.

Faculty and Staff

If you are not vaccinated, your health care provider can help to arrange for MMR vaccination. For more information see the MMR vaccine information statement.

Information for International Travelers

Some U.S. travelers have become sick with measles after traveling abroad. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally.

CDC Information for Travelers

CDC Travelers' Health: Measles

Don't Let Measles Be Your Travel Souvenir