SUBJECT:

Measles: IMPORTANT Information for UC San Diego Students

Dear Students,

Please read the important information contained in this letter as an outbreak of measles has been reported at UCLA and other areas in California. California is one of five states with ongoing outbreaks. As a result, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and CDC have provided updated guidance and alerts to promote vaccination in those who need it and to support early identification and appropriate disposition of cases in order to prevent transmission.

The incidence of measles has dramatically increased worldwide over the past year. The CDC has reported 695 confirmed measles cases in 22 states and the District of Columbia thus far in 2019. This is the highest number of reported cases in the US since measles was eliminated in the US in 2000. Most of the US outbreaks have been associated with international travelers who brought measles back from the Philippines, the Ukraine, Israel and other countries where large epidemics are occurring. Of note, nearly all of cases of measles in the US and elsewhere are amongst individuals who are either unvaccinated or undervaccinated.

In the US, and in Mexico, Central and South America in general, the vast majority of individuals are immune to measles either through natural immunity (born before 1957) or due to vaccination, which is very effective for preventing measles.

There is information about measles on the UC San Diego Student Health Services website at:
https://wellness.ucsd.edu/studenthealth/Pages/default.aspx

What are the symptoms of measles and where should you go to get evaluated?

Measles begins with a fever that lasts for a couple of days, followed by a cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). A rash appears three to five days after symptoms start, usually beginning as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.

If you suspect that you have measles or have been exposed, immediately call Student Health Services at (858) 534-3300 for further instructions. Do NOT visit Student Health Services in person. You should avoid direct contact or close proximity with others until you have spoken to a medical provider.

How do I know if I am immune?

We recommend that everyone check for documentation of your measles vaccines or immunity status. All UC San Diego students can access their immunization module in their Student Health records. Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine after the age of one year or a positive measles titer generally confers immunity.

To access your immunization module, you can go to shs.ucsd.edu and log in through Single Sign On. Go to the Immunization/TB/upload tab to check your information. If you have not self-entered your vaccine dates, please do so now.

If you’re not immune or haven’t had the MMR vaccines, you can schedule an appointment through Nurses Clinic at Student Health Services. Call 858-534-8089 to schedule an appointment.

Vaccination fees can be found at:
https://wellness.ucsd.edu/studenthealth/services/cost/Pages/default.aspx

Where do I get additional information?

For more information, please see the CDC website on measles.

https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/faqs.html

If you have a non-urgent question, please go to the Student Health Website and write your question in “Ask a Question” and Student Health Nurse will answer your question.
https://wellness.ucsd.edu/studenthealth/Pages/default.aspx
You will receive an answer within one business day.

If you have an urgent question related to measles, please call SHS at 858-534-8089 and press option 2 during business hours.

In good health, Patty Maysent Chief Executive Officer UC Health System Alysson M. Satterlund VC Student Affairs UC San Diego Stacie San Miguel, M.D. Director of Medical Services Student Health Services UC San Diego Health