Health Services

Measles Guidelines 

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can infect up to 90% of susceptible contacts. Measles is primarily spread through direct contact with infectious droplets, but airborne transmission in closed areas has been documented for up to 2 hours after an infected person was in the area.

 

If Experiencing Symptoms

Measles symptoms appear 7-21 days after contact with the virus and typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue, and red eyes.  A Measles rash appears 3-5 days after the first symptoms.

• Notify Health Services and RA immediately (if in University Housing)
• Get tested for Measles as soon as possible (inform testing site that you have been exposed to measles and/or are experiencing symptoms before you arrive)
• Turn in test results to Health Services if done off campus
• Quarantine until test results are back
• DO NOT return to campus until cleared by Health Services
• Limit shared spaces as much as possible
• Wear a mask until symptoms have resolved

 

For Positive Measles Test Results

If you receive a POSITIVE test result:

• Notify Health Services and RA immediately (if living in University Housing)
• Turn in documentation of test result to Health Services if done off campus
• Must ISOLATE for a minimum of 4 days (from start of rash) off campus.  Day of onset of rash is considered Day 0.
• DO NOT leave your place of residence, attend in-person classes, team practices, or social events
• AVOID shared community spaces like the cafeteria, work, shopping centers, grocery stores, church, stadiums or any other public place
• May be cleared to return to campus on Day 5 by Health Services

 

Unvaccinated Measles Exposure/Close Contact

If you have had close contact* with someone who has tested positive for Measles and you are NOT vaccinated (2 doses of MMR vaccine)

• Notify Health Services and RA immediately (if living in University Housing)
• YOU WILL NEED TO QUARANTINE OFF CAMPUS FOR 21-28 DAYS FROM LAST EXPOSURE depending on circumstance
• Self-monitor for Measles symptoms for the next 21 days and notify Health Services if symptoms develop
• Receive a measles test if symptoms develop
• Turn in test results to Health Services

 

Vaccinated Measles Exposure/Close Contact

If you have had close contact* with someone who has tested positive for Measles and you HAVE BEEN VACCINATED against Measles (2 doses of MMR)

• Self-monitor for Measles symptoms for the next 21 days and notify Health Services if symptoms develop
• YOU DO NOT NEED TO QUARANTINE AT THIS TIME
• If you develop symptoms of Measles: Obtain a Measles test
• Contact Health Services or your healthcare provider before arriving to inform them that you have been exposed to Measles and are experiencing symptoms before you arrive
• No testing required if symptoms do not occur
• Turn in any POSITIVE test results to Health Services

Two doses of measles containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV) received after a person’s first birthday, provides long term and lifelong immunity in 97% of people.

 

 

Excuses for Measles

• If you have been placed in quarantine/isolation by Health Services for Measles, the Office of Student Affairs will be notified and your professors will receive notification of your absence.
• If you have been placed in quarantine/isolation by another healthcare provider, please submit your documentation to Health Services.  They will notify the Office of Student Affairs who will notify your professors of your absence.  

 

Measles Vaccines

• Measles vaccines are HIGHLY recommended for anyone that has not been vaccinated or only had one MMR previously.
• The MMR vaccine is available on campus at Health Services, at the local Health Department, local pharmacies, and local healthcare providers.
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**Guidelines were developed in consultation with the Tennessee Department of Health.