Measles in Massachusetts: What You Need To Know

From the Five College Office of Risk Management and the Medical Directors of the Five College Campuses

Measles cases are increasing worldwide. Once thought to be eradicated in the United States, measles has been spreading in clusters across this country, most often in areas with low vaccination rates. Measles has hit Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of measles in Massachusetts residents.

Health Services, Mount Holyoke College and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health are committed to reducing vaccine-preventable diseases, and preparing for outbreaks.

Why this increase in infections is notable:

Measles is a serious infection that begins with typical respiratory symptoms, followed by high fever and rash. An infected individual is typically ill for 1-2 weeks and can be associated with ear infections and pneumonia. Children under 5 and adults over 20 are more likely to have significant symptoms and require hospitalization. There is no anti-viral treatment.

Measles can cause serious complications: outcomes such as deafness, blindness, or lifelong seizure disorders. In rare cases, measles can cause swelling of the brain and even death. The risk is greatest in the young, the elderly, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems.

Measles is highly contagious. For every one person who has measles, approximately 12-18 others can become infected. This airborne illness is 12 times more contagious than influenza and twice as contagious as COVID-19. Ninety percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will contract the infection!

What this means for you:

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one dose of Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccine (MMR) is about 93% effective at preventing measles; two doses are about 97% effective. Vaccinated individuals who contract measles experience milder symptoms, have fewer complications and lower rates of hospitalization.

Mount Holyoke College students are required to have 2 doses of the measles vaccine or demonstrate immunity by a blood test. Over 99% of our students are considered protected; those with medical or religious exemptions are not. Health Services recommends that exempted students whose health status or religious beliefs may have changed get vaccinated if it is safe to do so. Should there be a case of measles in the Five College community, students at risk may be required to quarantine off campus for 3 weeks.

MHC does not collect immunization information of its staff and faculty to determine if campus has “herd immunity” or to know which employees may be at risk of contracting measles, or require quarantining if a local case of measles is reported. We strongly encourage you to check with your healthcare provider to confirm your measles vaccine status.

• Adults born before 1957 likely had measles, developed life-long immunity, and do not need MMR vaccines.
• Adults vaccinated between 1963–1968 may have received a measles vaccine that was found to have lower effectiveness, and should get an additional measles vaccine.
• If you do not have written documentation confirming your measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. It is safe to get a measles vaccine if you may already be immune.
• If you are immunocompromised or pregnant, please speak with your provider about your immunity status and the safety of you receiving this vaccine.

Employees who are not immune may need to quarantine at home/off campus for 3 weeks following a measles exposure.