Measles Information and Travel Advisory | Student Health Center

Overview

The CDC has reported an outbreak of measles in the U.S. As of March 6, 2025, a total of 222 measles cases were reported by 12 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.

Measles is highly contagious and can cause fever, cough, runny nose, rash, red eyes, and occasionally dangerous complications. The good news is that measles is preventable with the MMR vaccine.

You can learn more about Measles vaccination, the MMR vaccine, and the CDC's recommendations on the CDC's Website.

WWU Measles Requirement

WWU requires proof of measles immunization for all students. If you have provided your measles vaccine documents to meet this requirement to attend classes then you have been fully vaccinated. If you have submitted a titer/blood test result to prove immunity then you are fully vaccinated.

If you filed for an exemption and it was approved you should follow up with your health care provider or find a pharmacy near you to be vaccinated. If there is a measles outbreak on campus, per policy, you may be prohibited from attending class or living on campus until notified otherwise.

FAQ

If you have submitted measles vaccine dates to WWU you can find those dates in your MyWesternHealth patient portal.

Log into the portal with your Universal Account username and password. You will find your vaccine dates listed under the "Medical Clearances" menu item. You will see your vaccine dates listed under the "Immunizations" menu item as well.

If you have had two previous measles vaccines you are fully up to date and no booster is required. The two vaccine series has been shown to provide lifelong immunity and adequate protection against the measles virus.

If you are immunocompromised you can get a measles titer to check your overall immunity to ensure you are protected. If you are unvaccinated or have other concerns check with your primary care provider or call the Student Health Center to make an appointment to speak with a nurse.

Official WWU Notice to Campus

Important measles information and travel advisory for Spring Break

Measles is highly contagious and can cause fever, cough, runny nose, rash, red eyes, and occasionally dangerous complications. The good news is that measles is preventable with the MMR vaccine. If you need an MMR vaccination, find a pharmacy near you.

The CDC has reported an outbreak of measles in the U.S. As of March 6, 2025, a total of 222 measles cases were reported by 12 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. For weekly updated information, please visit Measles Cases and Outbreaks | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC.

Can I get measles while traveling?

Measles can live in the air for 2 hours after an infectious person leaves the space. Even if you don’t visit a known location with measles cases, others may be around you who traveled from those locations via airplane or other public transit and may not know they are infected. If you are planning on travelling over spring break, please evaluate your vaccination status for MMR. Check CDC for the latest travel warnings. After you return from travel, watch your health for 3 weeks.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed or suspect I have measles?

Persons who work on-site who know or who have reason to believe that they are infected with a communicable disease have an ethical and legal obligation to conduct themselves in ways that minimize exposure to protect themselves and others. Call your healthcare provider if you get sick with a rash and fever tell the clinic you suspect your may have measles or have had a known exposure. It is important to call the clinic or hospital before going in.

Per university Reporting Communicable Disease Policy, students and employees who know, or have reason to believe, that they have a communicable disease will inform the appropriate university administrator.

Students should contact the Student.HealthCenter@wwu.edu immediately. Administrators, faculty, or staff members who become aware of a potential or known condition involving a student should contact Student.HealthCenter@wwu.edu immediately.

Employees unable to attend work due to a known or suspected communicable disease should contact both their health care provider and report their absence to their supervisor. Employees and supervisors are encouraged to also contact Human Resources for guidance regarding disclosure of a communicable disease and for assistance working with their department with any necessary leave or restrictions. Human Resources will notify the Medical Director of any suspected or known communicable diseases.

For more information about WWU vaccination requirements, please go to Required Immunizations | Student Health Center | Western Washington University.