Key Takeaways
Pima County has confirmed measles cases and measles is on the rise nationally.
- Measles is a very serious and highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications and even death, especially in young children and adults.
- Anyone who is not immunized against measles is at risk.
- Two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine provide the best protection against measles.
For the latest updates, visit the Pima County Health Department Measles page and the CDC's Measles Cases & Outbreaks page.
What Is Measles?
Measles (also called rubeola) is a highly contagious virus that spreads through direct contact, infected surfaces, and lives in the air for up to 2 hours. Measles can lead to serious health problems, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. If you're not vaccinated and get exposed, there's a 90% chance you'll get infected.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. In some cases, symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear. Measles typically begins with:
- High fever (up to 104°F), runny nose, red, watery eyes, cough, diarrhea
- Rash - typically appears 3–5 days after symptoms begin, starting at the hairline and spreading down the body, and can last 5-6 days
*Measles is contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears
Am I At Risk?
If you haven’t been fully vaccinated (meaning two doses) or never had measles before, you’re at risk—especially if you’ve been around someone who has the virus.
As a University of Arizona student, you must submit proof of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination before registering for classes. To check your vaccination status, students can log into PatientLink and select "Required Immunizations and Forms" on the left menu bar or contact Campus Health's Medical Records department a 520-621-4068.
If you are not a student, you can contact your physician's office, high school or prior university, previous employers, or the immunization information system (IIS) for the state you lived in as a child to determine your measles vaccination status.
What to Do If You've Been Exposed or Have Symptoms
Act quickly. The first 72 hours are crucial.
If you've been EXPOSED to measles:
- Call Campus Health at 520-621-9202 (After Hours: 520-570-7898) for further guidance.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others until you've been evaluated.
- If you're unvaccinated and have been exposed, your healthcare provider may offer options to prevent infection.
If you have SYMPTOMS of measles:
- Call your healthcare provider immediately for instructions on what to do.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others until you've been evaluated.
- Call before going to any clinic or urgent care facility to get instructions to avoid exposing others.
Getting Vaccinated
The CDC recommends the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine to protect against measles with most people get vaccinated as children. Two doses of the vaccine provide the best protection with 97-99% effectiveness; one dose is about 93% effective.
Students and employees can get vaccinated at Campus Health, call 520-621-9202 to schedule. You can also get the vaccine from your doctor, a pharmacy, community clinic, or county health department.
Preventing the Spread
You don’t need to be sick to help protect others. Here’s how to reduce the spread of illness:
- Stay home if you're feeling sick
- Call your healthcare provider if you’ve been around someone with measles or have symptoms
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use your elbow
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid sharing drinks, food, or smoking devices
- Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly
By taking these precautions, you help keep yourself and others safe.