A top priority at Elizabethtown College is the safety and wellbeing of our community. We want to make you aware that the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued an advisory of a recent measles case identified in York County, Pa. The individual infected with measles has traveled in and around the York city and Hershey, Dauphin County areas in the last two weeks. As of Sept. 6, there have been no reported cases of measles in Lancaster County, however as a safety precaution, please review the following information and preventative measures.
Measles:
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is vaccine-preventable. It spreads through saliva and respiratory secretions.
What are the symptoms of Measles?
Symptoms generally appear about 7-14 days after exposure. They begin typically with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A red rash then appears and spreads over the body. People with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days afterward.
How can I prevent the Measles?
As required by Elizabethtown College, over 99 percent of our students have been vaccinated with two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), two doses of MMR vaccine provides protection up to 88 percent, although this can range from 66-95 percent depending on certain criteria. Effectiveness of the vaccine has been shown to decrease over time.
Avoid sharing food and drinks with others, or participating in other activities where the virus could be passed through saliva exposure. Practice frequent handwashing, and always cover your mouth/nose when coughing and/or sneezing.
For additional information please view recommendations from the CDC.
If you are a student, staff or faculty member and have any questions or concerns, please contact our Student Health College Liaison, Eileen Wagener at (717) 489-1021.