University officials urge students, faculty and staff to get immunized

Ted Grace, director of student health services, said because measles are so contagious, students in her classes are being notified of their exposure to the disease.  Symptoms include a cough, runny nose, red eyes, fever, nausea and, sometimes, headache or a stiff neck.  Someone can be sick for several days before the rash typically associated with the disease breaks out, he said. 

The student had attended classes in Lazenby Hall, Page Hall and at the university’s Ice Rink during the past week. Grace said the student had just returned from Russia, where she may have contracted measles.

Students and others who either already have had measles or have been immunized need not be concerned, Grace said.  Those who have not yet been immunized and think they may have been exposed to the disease should go to the student health center, an urgent care facility or their doctor to receive the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, he said.

 “The vaccine can prevent symptoms from arising after someone is exposed and, in some cases, can reduce symptoms after someone has the measles,” Grace said.  “It’s just a good idea to have the immunization, especially if you’re working around a campus area.”

International students and visiting scholars should take special precautions because many countries do not require the vaccinations before traveling outside of their home country and obtaining medical records can be difficult, Grace said.