MEASLES INFORMATION FOR THE CCSF COMMUNITY

Prepared by:
CCSF Office of Emergency Preparedness
Dr. James Sohn, Associate Vice Chancellor
City College of San Francisco
50 Frida Kahlo Way, Bungalow 606
San Francisco, CA 94112

You may be aware that there is a measles outbreak in parts of the United States and that some colleges in Southern California have encountered cases and are taking steps to limit the spread of the disease.

First and foremost: PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW.

If you feel sick and think you may have measles, consider actions you can take to limit exposure to others:

• DO NOT come to work/class.
• If you feel sick after coming to work, call the Student Health Center—Do not come to the Student Health Center before calling. You may expose other patients. If you call, you will be given proper advice via the telephone. If you need to come to the Student Health Center, you will be advised to do so via telephone and appropriate measures will be taken to protect other patients.
• If you must go home, DO NOT use public transportation. Use private transportation to limit exposure to others.
• Avoid other people, especially pregnant women, babies and others who may not be vaccinated.
• Call your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever.
• You may call the CCSF Student Health Center (415) 239-3110 to speak with a Nurse Practitioner—Spring 2019 Student Health Services Hours of Operation

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Symptoms of measles are rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Some people who become sick with measles also get an ear infection, diarrhea, or a serious lung infection, such as pneumonia. Although severe cases are rare, measles can cause swelling of the brain and even death. Measles can be especially severe in infants and in people who are malnourished or who have weakened immune systems (such as from HIV infection or cancer or from certain drugs or therapies).

Who is at risk?

Measles remains a common disease in many parts of the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. In the United States, most measles cases result from international travel. The disease is brought into the United States by people who get infected in other countries. Measles outbreaks can result when returning travelers spread the disease to people who have not been vaccinated and are not otherwise protected against measles. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when he or she travels internationally.

What can you do to prevent measles?

Get the measles vaccine:

• Make sure you are fully vaccinated or otherwise protected against measles.* The vaccine is available in the CCSF Student Health Center ($65.00/dose for faculty & Staff). CCSF Students may only have to pay $10/dose, if they qualify for this reduction. Student Health Center Staff will work with students to provide the vaccine at the lowest cost possible.
• If you feel that you have been vaccinated, but cannot find your vaccine records, you can get a blood test in the Student Health Center for $30. You may also get tested by your personal healthcare provider.
• Infants 6-11 months of age should have 1 dose of measles vaccine if traveling internationally.
• Children in the United States routinely receive measles vaccination at 12-15 months of age.
• Infants vaccinated before 12 months of age should be revaccinated on or after the first birthday with 2 doses, separated by at least 28 days.
• Children 12 months of age or older should have 2 doses, separated by at least 28 days.
• Adolescents and adults who have not had measles or have not been vaccinated should get 2 doses, separated by at least 28 days.
• Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are nearly 100% effective at preventing measles.
• The only measles vaccines available in the United States are the measles-mumpsrubella (MMR) and the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines. MMR has been used safely and effectively since the 1970s. A few people experience mild, temporary, adverse reactions, such as joint pain, from the vaccine, but serious side effects are extremely rare. There is no link between MMR and autism.

Take steps to prevent illness:

• Get Vaccinated.
• Wash your hands often.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups, with people who are sick.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Reference: Centers for Disease Control: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/measles