This June 6 message is an update to an earlier message of May 12. The Los Angeles Dept. of Public Health (LADPH) is investigating one case of measles in a Los Angeles County resident who recently traveled internationally. Public locations currently listed as related to this case are in Santa Clarita and Stevenson Ranch on May 28. This case is not at USC. LADPH is recommending all LA County residents to ensure their immunity before making summer travel plans.
The U.S. is currently experiencing a resurgence in measles, including several outbreaks in areas of the Southwestern and Central United States. To date, no cases have been reported at USC.
As a preparedness measure for any future case that may be identified in our campus community, we are sharing information that can help protect you against measles.
ABOUT MEASLES
Measles is highly contagious. Initial symptoms include fever (as high as 105 degrees), cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. On days 2-3 after symptoms start, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth. On days 3-5, a characteristic rash breaks out, usually beginning on the face and then spreading down the neck to the rest of the body.
Transmission—the virus is transmitted by: Airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Direct contact with infectious droplets from breathing contaminated air or touching an infected surface.
Measles is infectious 4 days before and 4 days after rash onset. Individuals with measles are required to isolate during this time.
Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Vaccination is the best protection against measles. Two doses of a measles containing vaccine are 97% effective at protecting against measles.
EXPOSURE AND QUARANTINE (NO PROOF OF IMMUNITY)
If you are exposed to a person positive for measles (including accessing a space where the person was located within a two-hour period of them having been there) and you do not have proof of immunity, you may be subject to public health requirements, potentially including a quarantine for up to 21 days.
PROOF OF IMMUNITY
You are considered to have immunity to measles if you:
A. Have vaccination records indicating that you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
B. Have lab results from a titer (blood draw) indicating that you have measles immunity. The lab report must include your full name and your date of birth.
C. Have a date of birth prior to 1/1/1957. (Measles was widespread prior to that date, and exposure is presumed for people born before 1957.)
Measles immunity is considered to be lifelong; boosters are not required.
VOLUNTARY UPLOAD TO MYSHR
If you have immunity through A) vaccination, or B) lab results, you may upload them into MySHR (usc.edu/myshr). This is a voluntary option for all university campus employees. Your information is private to you and the health care professionals in USC Student Health/Campus Health.
Follow the instructions in the following link:
If there are questions about your documentation, you will be contacted by Student Health/Campus Health. If you do not receive a message, your records have been accepted. You may also check this status in MySHR.
BENEFIT OF UPLOADING
In the event of a campus exposure to measles, you may be cleared from a 21-day quarantine or other public health requirements if we are able to determine that you have immunity, either from a vaccination record or titer. Having the records on file would expedite the process of clearing exposed individuals from potential quarantine, benefiting both you as an individual, and the campus community as a whole.
If you are unsure of your status, or do not have vaccination records available to you, arrange an appointment with your regular health care provider to discuss vaccination or a titer.
If you have questions about measles, vaccinations, or titers, please contact us at campushealth@usc.edu.