Health officials across the U.S. are alerting the public as measles cases continue to rise. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S., but the highly contagious disease has made a comeback, in part because of declining vaccination rates and international travel. There are no known cases of measles in Colorado, but health officials are emphasizing the critical need for vaccination and immunity testing.
Ruben Zorrilla, M.D., medical director at the Health Center at Auraria, spoke with the Early Bird to clear up concerns and provide guidance on staying protected.
Should students, faculty members and staff members on campus be worried about measles?
Currently, the risk to our campus community is very low. We’re not seeing any measles cases in Colorado, and most students have already met the state’s immunization requirements. However, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations, especially if you plan to travel internationally or are trying to conceive a child.
Why are measles cases increasing in the U.S.?
The rise is mainly due to declining vaccination rates in some communities and international travel. Since measles spreads easily in places with close contact, outbreaks can occur when people are unvaccinated or undervaccinated.
How does measles spread?
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreading through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. A single case of measles will infect up to 95% of unvaccinated people who are exposed.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include:
- High fever (above 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Cough, runny nose and watery eyes.
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots).
- A flat red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet, often accompanied by a fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
How serious is measles?
AMost people recover without complications, but in rare cases, measles can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or other serious health issues. Those at higher risk include young children, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
The measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective, providing 97% protection after two doses. Most students at MSU Denver and the Auraria Campus have already received the vaccine as part of their school immunization requirements. If you have children, they should receive the first MMR dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4 years, although it’s never too late to get vaccinated.
What if someone isn’t sure about their vaccination status?
If you’re unsure, you can:
- Check your immunization records (the Auraria Immunizations Office can help).
- Get a measles titer test, which measures immunity by detecting antibodies in your blood.
- Receive the MMR vaccine if needed — it’s safe and provides long-lasting protection.
What happens if there is a measles outbreak in Denver?
The State of Colorado requires all students enrolled in higher-education courses to prove immunity against measles or file an exemption to the immunization law. In the case of a measles outbreak, those students who file an exemption to the immunization law may be excluded from campus. The length of time will be determined by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, depending on the type and circumstances of the outbreak. Staff and faculty members and other campus affiliates may be asked by the Colorado department of health to prove immunity in order to remain on campus.
Please see the Heath Center’s Immunization Requirement page for additional information.
Stay proactive about your health. Contact the Auraria Immunizations Office at 303-615-9997 to check your records, schedule a titer test or receive an MMR vaccine.
