Student Tribune
Think Measles Before You Travel
You may have heard that cases of measles are on the rise in the US.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 259 confirmed
cases in NYC and 167 in Rockland County, NY as of April 5th.
Most cases in the U.S. start when an unvaccinated person travels overseas in
an area where measles is common, and unknowingly comes home with measles
infection. That person is highly contagious for four days before the measles
rash appears, and up to 90% of non-immune persons who come in close contact
with the infection will then get measles. According to the CDC, about one in
four people who get measles will be hospitalized. Rochester had a small
outbreak earlier this year which has ended. For more information about measles,
please see: https://www.health.ny.gov/pu
blications/2170/.
To enroll at any college or university in New York, students must have proof
of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). MCC Health Services Department
is vigilant about making sure students have this proof. Persons who were born
before 1957, or have proof of 2 valid MMR vaccines or a positive blood titer
are considered immune (some exemptions to the vaccine requirement exist;
contact MCC Health Services if you have questions). Vaccination also protects
people who are not immune. The following article explains how this works: https://www.pbs.org/
wgbh/nova/article/herd-immunity/.
If you are traveling over spring recess, here are some tips from the CDC for
travelers to certain areas of the US: https://www.cdc.gov/meas
les/cases-outbreaks.html as well as for international travelers: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/trave
l/diseases/measles.
Locally, MMR vaccine is available through the Monroe County Immunization
Program at: https://www2.mo
nroecounty.gov/health-nursing-immunization or through your healthcare
provider. Health Services provides the vaccine free of charge to registered
students.
Jeanne Flanagan, RN, BSN, 292-2018
Flanagan, Jeanne
Health Services
04/10/2019