Measles preparation

By Jeanne Robinson

There is a measles outbreak in the United States, and the health center is prepared for anyone on campus who contracts the virus, according to the Director of Health Resources.

Hood College follows the same procedures when any communicable disease infects a student, director Teresa Cevallos said. If one shows symptoms of the measles, then they will be treated and isolated until their recovery, she said.

The closest recorded case of possible measles exposure was in Cumberland, Pa., on Jan. 28, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Any new student to Hood must file their immunization records, which include whether they have received the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, before starting school. While the MMR vaccine is not mandatory, it is recommended, Cevallos said.

If there were to be an outbreak, the entire campus would be notified, Cevallos said. With the health records on file, the center can find who has not been immunized and advise them to take extra precautions, she said.

For these types of cases, the health center takes action based on recommendations from the American College Health Association, the Frederick County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control Cevallos said.

According to an advisory from the CDC, measles is a “highly contagious, acute viral illness which can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.” Transmission of the virus occurs through coughing and sneezing.

While symptoms are bad, most people recover from the disease without any long-term effects, Cevallos said.

The measles virus has been eliminated from the United States since 2000. However, cases still occur with travelers from areas where it is present coming into the country.

The majority of the current cases have been linked to the initial outbreak at Disneyland in January, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Anyone who is not immunized is urged to go to their doctor or a health clinic for the vaccination. If symptoms develop, visit the health center immediately.

The health center wants to prevent students from getting ill at any time. Cevallos said, “Our focus is on keeping students well to achieve the ultimate goal: going to class and graduating on time.”

Center hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.