There are currently measles outbreaks throughout the country, with cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as outbreaks in many southern states. There are not any currently in our area, however we are proactively spreading information on what to look for. Please be aware of the symptoms and steps to take if someone becomes ill or if you have a known exposure, especially if traveling for spring break.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves the area. Individuals who are not vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are at significantly higher risk of infection and complications.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- Rash (typically appears 3–5 days after initial symptoms)
Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and in rare cases, death.
If You Develop Symptoms:
- Immediately separate them from students, faculty, and staff
- Call a local medical facility before arriving to notify them of possible measles case/exposure and receive instructions on how to get tested
- Contact the Wellness Center for campus procedures
Seek Emergency Care Immediately If You Experience:
- Trouble breathing or breathing faster than normal
- Chest pain with breathing or coughing
- Signs of dehydration
- Severe or persistent fever or headache
- Confusion, unusual drowsiness, or weakness
- Red rash on face/neck
Important to note: There is a lot of cross over with cold and flu symptoms. The rash is typically the key indicator to measles. We cannot perform the test for measles on campus. If you are experiencing signs or symptoms, especially a rash, call the nearest emergency department or urgent care before arriving so they can prepare.
If you test positive or have a known exposure, contact the Wellness Center or Katherine Johnson ASAP for next steps.
Early recognition and prompt medical care are critical to preventing spread and protecting the broader community. Please be attentive to your health and the students around you. The more people that are aware of signs and symptoms the better we can prevent cases on our campus.
Contact wellnesscenter@smumn.edu with questions or concerns.
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