Measles
At Skidmore Health Services, our priority is to keep the campus community as informed and safe as possible. While measles is rare due to widespread vaccination, occasional outbreaks can occur and more frequent outbreaks are occurring throughout the world. It’s important to understand measles symptoms, prevention methods, and how the college would respond in the event of a suspected or confirmed case.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. It can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. A person infected with measles is expected to spread the virus to 12-18 susceptible people. For comparison, a person infected with COVID-19 is expected to spread the virus to 1.5-2.5 people.
Most people recover fully, but measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death—especially in young children, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are unvaccinated.
How the Vaccine Protects You
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is the best defense against measles. It is:
- Highly effective: Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
- Safe: Extremely safe and well-studied; most side effects are mild and temporary.
- Long-lasting: The vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people.
- Required for all students: New York State requires documentation of MMR vaccination for all enrolled students
unless a medical or religious exemption has been granted.
If you are unsure about your vaccine status, you can check your vaccine records on your Health Services portal. If you have any questions, reach out to Health Services for help.
Signs and Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms typically develop 7–14 days after exposure.
- First symptoms may include common cold/flu-like symptoms such as:
- High fever (often over 101°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- 2-3 days later: Tiny white spots inside the mouth
- 3-5 days later: A widespread red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward
Individuals are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the rash appears.
Campus Response to a Suspected or Confirmed Case
If a measles case is suspected or confirmed on campus, Skidmore will respond promptly in collaboration with our local health department:
1. Immediate Isolation
- The individual will be isolated per public health guidelines.
- Health Services will be in frequent communication with the student to coordinate medical support, as well as collaborate with campus partners to ensure meal support, academic support, etc.
2. Contact Tracing and Notification
- Health Services and Saratoga Department of Public Health will identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.
- Those without documented MMR immunity may be excluded from campus for up to 21 days after exposure, per public health orders.
3. Campus-Wide Communication
- Transparent and timely updates will be shared to keep the community informed while protecting individual privacy.
What You Can Do Now
- Check your vaccine records. Most students received the MMR vaccine as children, but if you’re unsure, check your health portal for your vaccine records.
- Watch for symptoms. If you know you’ve been exposed or have been in an area with increased cases, monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. If you are unvaccinated, contact your medical provider immediately to consider medications that could prevent illness.
- Report symptoms early. If you experience symptoms of measles, separate from others and call Health Services before visiting so we can take appropriate precautions.
- Respect isolation guidelines. These are critical for protecting others and reducing the risk of an outbreak.
Updated 7/8/25