Measles Alert

Attention Mocs,

University Health Services (UHS), UTC Administration, and public health officials are actively monitoring the rise of measles cases in surrounding states. Please review the following important information:

What is measles?

• Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
• If one person is infected, up to 9 out of 10 nearby unprotected people may become infected.

How does it spread?

• Measles viral particles spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• You can be exposed by entering a room where a person with measles has been—even up to two hours after they have left.

How can it be prevented?

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective:

• Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles

How can I prepare?

Verify your immunity status. You are considered immune if you meet one of the following:

• Two documented doses of the MMR vaccine
• Laboratory proof of immunity or past infection (blood titers)
• Born before 1957

UTC and the State of Tennessee require either proof of immunity or a documented exemption for university enrollment.

There is no current requirement for UTC employees to submit documentation of MMR immunity status, thus, UHS may not have record of your vaccines or titers.

We are glad to share that there is 98% immunity of our students on campus, which serves as a powerful shield for our entire community. Having immunity significantly reduces the chances of getting measles and keeps you from needing to be quarantined for up to 21 days if you are exposed.  

We urge you to locate record of your MMR vaccine or to consider discussing a titer with your healthcare provider if you do not have documentation of immunity. To do this you may:

For Students:

Check the UTC Medicat Patient Portal:

• Select Get Started under University Health Services > Choose the Immunizations tab > Select PRINT

For Employees:

Check with your current or previous healthcare providers

Check with your previous university to see if records are on file

If you are unable to locate immune status documentation, you can get a blood titer drawn to at UHS by calling 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment OR you may get vaccinated at any local pharmacy.

Common Symptoms of Measles:

• High fever greater than 101F
• Cough
• Runny nose (coryza)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Rash (starting 3-5 days after symptoms begin)

If you have the above symptoms OR have been exposed stay home and away from others. Call and inform the staff before going anywhere seeking care.

Additional information and updates are available at: Measles | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga