News Service

4-17-09

Measles alert for those who were in Spencer April 11 or 12

Iowa State University students, faculty or staff who were in the Spencer, Iowa, area April 11 or 12 should check their immunization records. A case of measles was reported in a youngster in the Spencer area.

Those who were in the area should make sure they have received two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines. Adults older than their mid-50s who had measles as a child need not be vaccinated.

Measles can be a serious disease and it's very contagious. Those who've been exposed can prevent onset of the disease by being vaccinated or receiving immune globulin.

Measles hotline

Students who wish to check their immunization records, need a vaccination or believe they may have measles should contact the Thielen Student Health Center's measles hotline at (515) 294-6999.

Measles is so contagious that it can be transmitted even after the ill person has left the building, or can be transmitted by passing an ill person in a hallway. Anyone who has symptoms of measles, should call a health care provider immediately. Do not go to the doctor's office, ER or walk-in clinic until arrangements are made to be seen by a health care provider in a place and manner that will not potentially expose others to measles.

Symptoms

The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/pink eyes, runny nose and a rash.

More about measles

For more information about measles, see the Iowa Department of Public Health web page.

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Quick look

ISU health officials are advising students, faculty or staff who were in the Spencer area on April 11 or 12 to check their immunizations records for measles. The very contagious disease was diagnosed in a youngster in the area.