Measles
South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) officials continue to monitor the measles outbreak in Upstate South Carolina that is centered primarily in Spartanburg County. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious illness and disrupt campus life. Even a single case is considered a public health priority.
According to the CDC, unvaccinated college students are at increased risk of infection with measles compared to the general population. Clemson University has established a requirement that all students provide proof of immunity to measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases as a condition of enrollment at the University. Student Health Services will continue to rigorously enforce immunization requirements in order to minimize the risks of a measles outbreak. The University continues to monitor the situation and will update the campus community as needed.
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Symptoms and Complications of Measles
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to nine out of 10 people around them will also become infected if they are not protected as measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. It spreads much more easily than COVID-19, especially in shared spaces like classrooms and residence halls.
Measles starts with a fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can last for a week, and coughing can last for 10 days. Measles can cause serious health complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis, and even death.
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Prevention: The MMR Vaccine is Safe and Effective
Measles is preventable. The MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine is very safe and effective at protecting against measles (as well as mumps and rubella). Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. For more information, please see DPH's measles vaccine guidance.
The MMR vaccine is available at Redfern Health Center on the main campus or at health departments and/or community pharmacies across the state.
Not sure if you've received the MMR vaccine? Log in to MyHealth-e using your Clemson username and password and click on "Immunizations & Results" to see your vaccination record.
Other preventative actions include:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or paper towel when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Improve ventilation and filtration in indoor spaces to prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air; spend time outside when possible.
- Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with others
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Measles at Clemson University: Are you immune?
If there is a case of measles connected with a Clemson University campus, DPH will require proof of immunity from individuals who have been exposed in order to avoid quarantine lasting 21 days after last exposure.
Are you immune to measles?
If you are exposed to measles and have submitted documentation of the required MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccination or other proof of immunity to Student Health Services, your immunity to measles can be quickly confirmed and you would not be subject to quarantine. If you are exposed and have not satisfied the University’s vaccine requirements, you must quarantine for 21 days if directed to do so by DPH following exposure to a contagious person.
Not sure if you've received the MMR vaccine? Students can log in to MyHealth-e using your Clemson username and password and click on "Immunizations & Results" to see your vaccination record and if you're compliant.
Don't have proof of immunity?
To avoid the risk of quarantine, students should act now to complete the medical clearance process.
Student Health Services will help you establish your proof of immunity to measles or other required vaccinations with an immunization, lab test or submission of acceptable documentation.
Exemptions
If completion of medical clearance requirements is contraindicated for medical reasons, approval of the health care provider is required along with documentation of the need for the exemption and signed Medical Exemption Form.
If a religious exemption is requested, complete the Religious Exemption Form.
Please note: Students who do not have demonstrated immunity, including those with medical or religious exemptions, must quarantine for 21 days if directed to do so by DPH following exposure to a contagious person. Students who previously filed an exemption may choose to be vaccinated if desired.
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What actions does DPH take when a case of measles is confirmed?
DPH initiates an investigation for every suspect measles case reported and works closely with cases, providers and involved facilities. To reduce the risk of them developing measles and to prevent spread, DPH provides education, identifies close contacts and offers MMR vaccines to those who are not protected. If a contact that is not immune to measles doesn’t wish to be vaccinated, DPH will educate them about how measles is spread, and possible symptoms they should monitor over the next 21 days. DPH informs unprotected close contacts to stay home and away from others during those 21 days, advising them that they are contagious even before they become sick and can unknowingly spread measles to others.
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Isolation and Quarantine
A person infected with measles is contagious beginning four days prior to rash onset, through four days after the rash appears. Isolation of an actively infectious case lasts until four full days have passed after the onset of the rash, and dates of isolation are determined by DPH. Quarantine for measles is reserved for exposed individuals without documented immunity and lasts for 21 days after last exposure per DPH guidelines. If a person without documented immunity receives a dose of MMR vaccine within 72 hours after exposure, they do not have to quarantine.
