Know the Symptoms
Symptoms can develop 7–21 days after exposure.
Measles usually begins with:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Feeling tired or unwell
- A few days later, a red rash usually appears.
The rash typically starts on the face/hairline, then spreads down the neck and body, and continues to the arms and legs.
Measles, if left unchecked, can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and, less commonly, inflammation of the brain.
Think You Were Exposed to Measles?
Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it.
Being exposed does not mean you will automatically develop measles, especially if you are fully vaccinated.
If you think you were exposed:
1. Check your MMR vaccination status.
Determine whether you have documentation of two MMR doses.
2. Contact Student Health Services or your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
This is especially important if:
- You are not vaccinated
- You have received only one MMR dose
- You don’t know your vaccination status
- You have a weakened immune system
- You are pregnant
If you are not immune, there may be time-sensitive options after an exposure that can help protect you. Do not wait until symptoms develop to call.
3. Monitor yourself for symptoms.
You may be asked to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after your last exposure.
Follow any specific instructions you receive from Student Health Services or public health officials.
Exposed and Now Feeling Sick?
STAY HOME and call first.
If you develop fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, or a rash after a possible measles exposure:
DO NOT come directly to Student Health Services, an urgent care center, doctor’s office, or emergency department without calling first.
Instead:
- Stay home and away from other people.
- Call Student Health Services or your healthcare provider.
- Tell them: “I may have been exposed to measles and I am having symptoms.”
- Follow their instructions about where and how to receive care.
- Calling first allows healthcare staff to safely arrange your evaluation without exposing other students, patients, or healthcare workers.
- If you must leave isolation for medical care, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including masking when directed.
When Should I Seek Emergency Care?
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop serious symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe weakness
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Severe dehydration
- Persistent severe headache or fever
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
If possible, have someone call the emergency department before you arrive and tell them that measles is suspected.
Call 911 for a medical emergency.
