Q: What is measles?

A: Measles is an infectious viral disease that occurs most often in the late winter and spring.

Q: What are the measles symptoms?

A: Symptoms include a fever that is 101 degrees or more, cough, runny nose or red eyes, with or without a rash, and usually begin 8 to 12 days after exposure, but can also occur up to 21 days after exposure.

Q: How can I catch the measles?

A: Measles is highly contagious. Infected people are usually contagious from about 4 days before symptoms appear and 4 days afterwards. The measles virus resides in the mucus in the nose and throat of infected people. When they sneeze or cough, droplets spray into the air and the droplets remain active and contagious on infected surfaces for up to 2 hours.

Q: What should I do if I have measles symptoms?

A: Do not come to campus and immediately contact your local healthcare provider or Ventura Public Health at 805-981-5201.

Q: What should I do if I live on campus and have measles symptoms?

A: Isolate and immediately contact a Resident Assistant or call Housing & Residential Education at 805-437-2733.

Q: I don’t know if I’ve had my measles vaccinations?

A: All California students who attend public or private schools are required to have the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations. If you have not had the vaccines, the University requires that you show proof of vaccinations no later than the second term of enrollment unless you have a waiver for reasons of health, religious or personal belief. You may check with your pediatrician or family physician for verification.

Q: How effective is the MMR vaccine?

A: More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second vaccine does give immunity to almost all of those who did not respond to the first dose.

Q: I’m not sure if I have had the vaccine, what should I do?

A: Check with your parents to see if you have received the vaccines or contact your physician to receive the vaccinations.

Q: As an adult, do I need the MMR vaccine?

A: You do not need the MMR vaccine if you:

  • Had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella
  • Are someone born before 1957
  • Already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine
  • Already had one dose of MMR and are not at a high risk of measles exposure

You should get the measles vaccine if you are not among the categories listed above, and

  • Are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond high school
  • Work in a hospital or other medical facility
  • Travel internationally, or are a passenger on a cruise ship
  • Are a woman of childbearing age

Q: As a CI faculty member what should I tell students who are feeling ill or displaying measles symptoms?

A: Encourage students who are not feeling well to leave class and immediately contact their local healthcare provider or Ventura County Public Health at 805-981-5201. They should avoid close contact with others until seen by a physician.

Q: I have other questions about the measles virus, who can I contact?

A: You may contact Ventura County Public Health at 805-981-5201.

Q: What if I have questions about how the measles virus impacts occupational or environmental safety on campus?

A: You can call the University’s Environmental Health and Safety office at 805-437-8847 or 805-437-3922.

Q: Will the University have additional information available?

A: Additional updates and information will be posted on the University’s website at www.csuci.edu/cialert/updates/measles.htm or by calling 805-437-3911.

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