Measles, Mumps, & Rubella
Measles
Measles is very contagious and can be serious. Anyone who is unvaccinated can get measles when traveling abroad or even in the U.S. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles. Some vaccinated people may still get measles if they are exposed to the virus. However, disease symptoms are milder in vaccinated people.
Measles Common Symptoms:
- high fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red, watery eyes
- skin rash (starting from the face and spreading to the rest of the body)
How is Measles Transmitted?
- Measles is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- The virus can stay active in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area.
- Direct contact with fluids like saliva and nasal secretions and urine can also transmit the virus.
- Measles is extremely contagious. About 90% of non-immune people exposed to the virus will become infected.
- An infected person is typically contagious for the 4 days before the rash emerges and 4 days following.
- A typical incubation period is 7 to 14 days.
Who is at Risk?
- Unvaccinated individuals (especially children)
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to cancer, HIV, or organ transplants)
- Pregnant women (measles during pregnancy can cause complications for both mother and baby)
- People living in close quarters, such as hospitals, daycare centers, residence halls, or schools are at higher risk due to ease of transmission.
Prevention: Vaccine
- Check your immunization records to confirm you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, as recommended by the CDC and ADH.
- MMR is a recommended childhood vaccine given at 12-15 months of age and then a 2nd dose given at 4-6 years old. If you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, then no further steps are needed.
- The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles: 1 dose is 93% effective, and 2 doses is 97% effective. *Individuals born before 1957 in the United States are generally considered immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat. Even though the vaccine has drastically reduced mumps cases, outbreaks still occur.
Mumps Common Symptoms:
- A few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
- Most will have swelling of their salivary glands (often referred to as parotitis when the parotid gland, located in front and below the ear, swells). This is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.
How is Mumps Transmitted?
Who is at Risk?
- Unvaccinated individuals (especially children)
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to cancer, HIV, or organ transplants)
- Pregnant women (measles during pregnancy can cause complications for both mother and baby)
- People living in close quarters, such as hospitals, daycare centers, residence halls, or schools are at higher risk due to ease of transmission.
Prevention: Vaccine
- Check your immunization records to confirm you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, as recommended by the CDC and ADH.
- MMR is a recommended childhood vaccine given at 12-15 months of age and then a 2nd dose given at 4-6 years old. If you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, then no further steps are needed.
- The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps: 1 dose is 72% effective, and 2 doses is 86% effective. *Individuals born before 1957 in the United States are generally considered immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
Rubella
Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Most people who get rubella usually have a mild illness. The best protection against rubella is MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.
Rubella Common Symptoms:
- a low-grade fever
- sore throat
- a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
How is Rubella Transmitted?
- Rubella spreads mainly through direct contact or droplets from the nose and throat.
- Rubella was declared eliminated in the United States in 2004, meaning there was no endemic transmission for at least 12 months. Despite this, rubella remains prevalent in many regions globally. As a result, fewer than 10 cases (primarily import-related) have been reported annually in the United States since elimination was declared. Rubella incidence in the United States has decreased by more than 99% from the pre-vaccine era.
Who is at Risk?
- Unvaccinated individuals (especially children)
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to cancer, HIV, or organ transplants)
- Pregnant women (measles during pregnancy can cause complications for both mother and baby)
- People living in close quarters, such as hospitals, daycare centers, residence halls, or schools are at higher risk due to ease of transmission.
Prevention: Vaccine
- Check your immunization records to confirm you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, as recommended by the CDC and ADH.
- MMR is a recommended childhood vaccine given at 12-15 months of age and then a 2nd dose given at 4-6 years old. If you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, then no further steps are needed.
- The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing rubella: 1 dose is 97% effective. *Individuals born before 1957 in the United States are generally considered immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
All students must provide documentation of two (2) MMR vaccinations to the health center in order to enroll for classes. Follow the directions on the Immunization Compliance form.
Records can be submitted:
- By uploading to the Health Center's Web Portal
- Uploading via the Patient Web Portal is preferred, as this is the fastest and easiest way to make sure your records are uploaded and retained. Uploading is only available to current students and incoming students a semester in advance of your first semester at the university. For example, if you are an incoming student for Fall, you will be able to upload your records the Summer session before the Fall semester begins.
- By fax to 1-866-409-1980
- In-person at the clinic
Records can be obtained from private physician’s office, high school transcripts, or the Arkansas Department of Health immunization database (Arkansas high school students only).
Students can receive the MMR vaccine at the Allergy, Immunization, and Travel Clinic. Faculty and staff who haven't received the MMR vaccine can also get vaccinated or opt for a booster if they wish.