Measles virus goes airborne at multiple University buildings
January 28, 2019
The University has been exposed to a case of measles, according to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.
According to the report, Mumford Hall, the Psychology Building, David Kinley Hall, the Agricultural Engineering Science Building, the Illini Union Bookstore and McKinley Health Center may have been exposed.
Measles symptoms include runny nose, fever, cough, red watery eyes and a rash.
Measles is very contagious. CUPHD reports the virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making the virus airborne. If there are 10 people in close proximity to the infected person, nine of them would get measles if they are not protected.
A person becomes protected when they have had either a laboratory-confirmed measles antibody, were born before 1957 (they are presumed to have had the virus) or had two doses of the measles vaccine.
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McKinley is working with CUPHD to identify at-risk individuals. McKinley will personally notify at-risk individuals once they have been identified.
If you believe you have a case of measles, CUPHD and McKinley Health Center say to stay home and away from anyone. Do not visit a doctor’s office or the emergency room. Instead, call your healthcare provider or McKinley.
