Marie Lynn Miranda UIC Chancellor | University Of Illinois At Chicago
Over 1,300 measles cases have been confirmed in the United States this year, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is urging students, faculty, and staff to be vigilant as the new academic year begins, especially given recent outbreaks in states such as Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas.
While UIC has not reported any recent measles cases on campus, university officials emphasize the importance of recognizing symptoms and taking steps to prevent potential spread within the community. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves a room. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days following exposure and may include high fever (which can reach up to 104°F), cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that usually develops three to five days after initial symptoms.
Vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing measles infection. Individuals are considered immune if they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, have laboratory evidence of immunity or past infection, or were born before 1957.
According to state requirements from the Illinois Department of Public Health, all incoming students enrolled in six or more credit hours must provide documented proof of measles immunization. Continuing students can verify their vaccination status via Med+Proctor or CastleBranch accounts. Incoming students are advised to consult their doctors for records and submit them promptly. Faculty and staff should also check with their primary care providers regarding immunity status.
Additional information on locating immunization records is available through UIC’s Office of the Registrar’s Medical Immunization Records FAQ webpage. For further assistance or questions about vaccines at UIC, individuals can email phinitiatives@uic.edu.
Measles vaccines are accessible through primary care providers and most pharmacies in Chicago; coverage details depend on individual health insurance policies. Students covered by CampusCare may receive the MMR vaccine at no cost at UIC’s Family Medicine Center by contacting phinitiatives@uic.edu.
Those who are not immune should avoid coming to campus if exposed to measles due to high transmission risk—nine out of ten unvaccinated people will become infected after exposure. Non-immune individuals exposed to measles will be asked to stay home for 21 days for symptom monitoring and may qualify for post-exposure prophylaxis; they should contact their healthcare provider immediately if exposed.
Anyone developing symptoms consistent with measles should seek medical attention right away but must call ahead so healthcare providers can make arrangements that minimize risk of exposing others.
For more information about measles prevention at UIC or related support services, visit the Prevent and Protect webpage or email phinitiatives@uic.edu.
"Stay well, and thank you for helping us keep our campus safe and healthy," wrote Jon Radosta, MD, Chief Medical Officer at UI Health; Michael Ginsburg, PhD, Special Advisor to the Chancellor in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.