Measles: What You Should Know
August 5, 2025 5:01 AM

Dear Campus Community,

Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, there have been in excess of 1300 confirmed measles cases in the United States thus far in 2025 (10 of these cases in Illinois). The 2025 measles case count is the highest annual case count since 1992, with more cases anticipated for the remainder of the year. Measles cases are on the increase due to lower measles vaccination practices. 

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads to others through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red-watery eyes and rash. Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after contact with the virus but may take up to 21 days to manifest. Exposed individuals who are unvaccinated or are not fully vaccinated are required to quarantine away from others for a minimum of 21 days.   

You can protect yourself and others.

Measles vaccination is safe and highly effective in protecting people from measles. The measles vaccination is included in the MMR vaccine (Measles/Mumps/Rubella). The MMR is a routine immunization in many countries and a requirement at the University of Illinois. Typically, the MMR vaccine is covered by insurance, be sure to review your policy coverage.  

Public Health considers a person protected (immune) from measles if they have one of the following:

• Two properly timed measles vaccines (MMR or measles) 
• Laboratory evidence of measles immunity (Measles, rubella, or mumps immunoglobulin G ((IgG) in serum) 
• Born before 1957 (presumed immune due to likely natural infection, except for healthcare personnel, for whom birth before 1957 is not sufficient evidence of immunity)
• Laboratory confirmation of disease (note: IgG response depends on timing of specimen collection)

If you are a student and unsure if you meet the above immunity standards, you may:

• View your immunization history on the MyMcKinley Student Health Portal. 
• Call McKinley Health Center at (217) 333-2700 to speak with someone about your vaccine history and/or schedule a vaccination appointment.

If you are a faculty or staff member and are unsure if you meet the above immunity standards, contact your health care provider.

For everyone in our campus community, please prioritize your health and the health of others by knowing your measles vaccination status or getting vaccinated. If you have not received the MMR vaccine or you think you have measles symptoms, stay home, stay away from others and contact McKinley Health Center at (217) 333-2700 or your healthcare provider immediately.

Additional information about measles can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/measles

Sincerely,

Awais Vaid
Director
McKinley Health Center