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Measles

Last Updated: April 9, 2025

Measles cases have been on the rise in the United States. As of April 3, 2025, a total of 607 confirmed cases of measles have been reported from 19 states, including two deaths—the first deaths related to measles in the United States in a decade. To date, most cases have been reported in children who are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. It is crucial to protect yourself and the Tufts community against measles. Although the likelihood of an outbreak on a Tufts campus is low, it is theoretically possible, and its impact would be highly disruptive for students, faculty, and staff. 
 

Measles and Its Symptoms

Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral disease that can lead to severe complications and death. Measles symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Runny nose
  • Rash
  • Ear infections (sometimes)
  • Diarrhea (sometimes)

Getting measles may also suppress your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight other infections.
 

Measles Spread

The measles virus can survive in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. If other people breathe in contaminated air or touch an infected surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can contract the infection.

Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, nine out of 10 people of all ages around that person will also become infected if they do not have immunity. 

Most people in the U.S. have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles. One dose is approximately 93% effective; however, non-immunized individuals have a very high likelihood of becoming infected and spreading measles to others. 
 

Measles Vaccination

Proof of Immunity

All students studying at Tufts are required to have proof of immunity. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends that human patient-facing employees are immunized. This can be demonstrated by blood test results showing antibodies against measles (Measles IgG test) or a valid immunization record. 

If you need copies of your immunization records:

Students can:

  • Review their records via the Patient Portal  by logging into the appropriate clinic below and clicking on “Immunizations”:
    • Boston Health Science Campus Services
    • Cummings School Health Services
    • Medford/SMFA Campus Health Service
  • Contact their previous educational institution.

All students and staff can:

Accommodations

Accommodations are provided under law for individuals who are unable to receive the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons. Please contact OEO to request an accommodation.

Vaccination Safety

The safety profile of the measles vaccine is excellent. Common side effects include temporary soreness in the arm, low-grade fever, and muscle pain, which are typically associated with most vaccinations. A suggestion that measles or other vaccines cause autism has been convincingly discredited. However, this often-repeated misinformation has contributed to significant vaccine hesitancy and declining vaccination rates.

Vaccination Guidance

You should be vaccinated or revaccinated if:

  • You are currently unvaccinated.
  • You were vaccinated before 1968.
    You should receive at least one booster dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. This is because some people vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 may have received the killed measles vaccine, which was later found to be ineffective.

You are considered immune if:

  • You were born before January 1, 1957
    You are generally considered immune to measles and do not need to show proof of immunity or get vaccinated, as you likely had natural exposure to the disease.

Get the Measles Vaccine

If you are unvaccinated for any reason and wish to receive vaccination or if you have any questions about your immunity, we are here to help.

Students

Contact the health center on your campus:

Faculty and Staff

Contact your PCP or the Tufts Occupational Health Services location on your campus for an appointment:

  • Boston Health Sciences: 75 Kneeland Street, 6th Floor, Suite 602 | 617-627-6500, option 2
  • Grafton: Our Grafton location currently provides virtual visits for most concerns and in-person visits by appointment only. Please call to have your concerns triaged. | 617-627-6500, option 3
  • Medford/Somerville: 124 Professors Row, Ground Floor | 617-627-6500, option 1
     

Measles Outbreak Protocol

In the event of a measles outbreak, Tufts University will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and local municipal public health officials.

Current CDC and Massachusetts guidance recommend excluding unvaccinated individuals from school and work for 21 days after the last case occurs. This exclusion applies to individuals who have been exempted under law from receiving the measles vaccination due to valid medical or religious reasons. 

For example, if a Tufts community member is exposed to measles and does not have valid proof of immunity, they will be required to miss a minimum of three weeks of classes or work. This will have a significant impact on their academic work and life. 

While nonimmune individuals can avoid exclusion if they receive the measles vaccine within 72 hours after exposure, the supply of measles vaccine cannot be guaranteed, and it is often challenging to diagnose measles cases early. In addition, because people infected with the measles virus can transmit the infection up to four days before developing symptoms, someone exposed may miss the opportunity for post-exposure vaccination. 

If a Tufts community member is diagnosed with measles, Tufts will work in collaboration with state and local public health authorities to perform contract tracing and ensure appropriate medical care. Measles is a reportable disease, and healthcare providers are legally obligated to report known and suspected measles cases to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and follow Massachusetts public health guidelines. According to Massachusetts requirements, anyone with a case of measles must be immediately isolated and remain in isolation until at least 4 days after the onset of the measles rash. Decisions to leave isolation must be made in collaboration with Tufts Student Health Services or an individual's primary care provider.