Measles (Rubeola) – Employee Frequently Asked Questions

East Carolina University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for employees, students, patients and visitors. The following information provides guidance for all ECU employees regarding measles prevention, exposure and reporting.

What is measles?

Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through airborne transmission and respiratory droplets. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Common symptoms include:

  • Fever (often high)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red or watery eyes
  • Rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward (3-5 days after symptoms start)

A person is infectious 4 days prior to the start of the rash through 4 days after the rash appears.

Am I protected against measles?

You are considered to have protection (immunity) if you have one of the following:

  • Two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine given at least 28 days apart
  • Laboratory evidence of immunity (positive Rubeola IgG titer)

Check your immunization or medical records for this documentation.

Where can I receive the MMR vaccination or obtain documentation of my immunization record?

If you are having trouble locating documentation or need to receive the MMR vaccination, contact your primary care provider or local health department agency for assistance.

Are ECU employees required to receive the MMR vaccine?

Employee requirements vary depending on job duties.

  • Healthcare Employees
    • Healthcare employees are required to provide documentation of two MMRs or lab confirmed measles immunity (positive antibody titer) in accordance with employee health requirements and infection prevention.
  • Non-Healthcare Employees
    • Vaccination is strongly recommended as the best protection against measles. However, employees who are not working in a healthcare setting are not required to receive measles vaccinations or to provide documentation of immunity.
If I have documented immunity and have been exposed, can I continue to work?

Yes, employees with documented immunity may continue working following exposure if you have no symptoms.  However, you should:

  • Notify your supervisor
  • Monitor yourself for symptoms 21 days after the last date of exposure
  • Report the exposure to ECU Prospective Health
  • Seek and follow medical guidance from your primary care provider (if indicated)
I do not have immunity and was exposed; can I continue to work?

Public health guidance holds quarantining for exposed individuals who do not have immunity. Dependent upon the level of exposure, temporary exclusion from work may be recommended to prevent potential spread.

Employees should contact ECU Prospective Health at ProspectHealth@ecu.edu for work guidance.

Students should contact ECU Student Health Services at gotquestions@ecu.edu for guidance.

What should I do if I develop symptoms?

If you develop symptoms consistent with measles:

  1. Do NOT report to work
  2. Notify your supervisor
  3. Contact your healthcare provider or local health department before seeking care so appropriate precautions can be arranged before you arrive at their office.
  4. *Employees should notify ECU Prospective Health for return-to-work guidance and clearance.

*Early reporting helps prevent workplace transmission.

What if I am immuno-compromised?

Individuals with weakened immune systems may be at a higher risk for severe illness. Conditions that may qualify as immunocompromised include:

  • Active cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy or radiation)
  • Bone marrow or stem cell transplant
  • Advanced or untreated HIV
  • Primary immunodeficiency disorders
  • High-does systemic corticosteroids (> 20mg/day prednisone for > 14 days)
  • Biologic immune-modulating medications
  • Other conditions determined by your treating provider

If you have one of these conditions and believe you may have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider promptly for guidance.

Should I be concerned if I am pregnant?

The measles vaccine is not given during pregnancy. However, if you have previously been vaccinated with two MMR vaccines or have blood test showing immunity (positive titer), you are generally protected by existing immunity.  Additional work restrictions are typically not required.

If you are not immune, temporary work restrictions or re-assignments may be implemented, dependent upon your job role and exposure risk.

If you are unsure of your immunity status, contact your healthcare provider.

If exposed, notify your healthcare provider immediately and report your exposure to ECU Prospective Health.

I work in direct patient care. What is the proper protective equipment to wear when caring for a patient who is suspected of or confirmed to have measles?

In healthcare settings, using proper protective equipment and infection-control precautions provides strong protection for employees who may need to care for patients with suspected or confirmed measles.

Airborne and contact transmission precautions should be implemented. Additionally, the identified patient should be promptly issued a surgical mask to wear and placed in a negative pressure room. If a negative pressure room is not available, a room with a closed door, away from the general patient lobby and preferably with an open window for ventilation should be used.

Employee proper protective equipment (PPE):

  • N-95 (know your size) or PAPR, if you cannot wear an N-95
  • Eye protection, especially when splashing, spraying or close contact is expected.
  • Gowns
  • Gloves
Who should I contact for questions?

University employees and supervisors should contact:

*Healthcare employees can request their immunization record from ECU Prospective Health.