Purpose and Scope
This Measles Response Plan outlines 91视频鈥檚 approach to prevention, preparedness, and response in the event of confirmed or suspected measles cases on campus or in the surrounding community.
This plan is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) and will be updated as federal, state, or local guidance changes.
Because measles is highly contagious and airborne, this plan emphasizes vaccination verification, rapid case identification, isolation, exposure management, and clear communication to protect the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors.
Guiding Principles
91视频鈥檚 measles response will be guided by the following principles:
- Protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors
- Base actions on current PA DOH guidance
- Respond quickly to suspected or confirmed cases to limit transmission
- Communicate clearly, proactively, and consistently with campus stakeholders
- Respect individual privacy while meeting public health obligations
- Ensure continuity of academic and campus operations whenever possible
Overview of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space.
Key facts relevant to campus response:
- Individuals are contagious four days before through four days after rash onset
- Approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed will become infected
- Two documented doses of the MMR vaccine provide ~97% protection
- Quarantine of non-immune people lasts from day 7 through day 21 after last exposure
- If additional people on campus develop measles, exclusion of non-immune persons should be extended until 21 days have passed since the most recent case鈥檚 onset.
Measles Campus Activity Levels
To guide response actions, 91视频 will use a Measles Campus Activity Level Framework, determined in consultation with the Wellness Center and PA DOH.
Level 1: No Known Measles Cases (Preparedness)
- Routine monitoring of public health alerts
- Verification of student immunization compliance
- Ongoing education about measles symptoms and vaccination
- Review of isolation and communication protocols
Level 2: Suspected Case or Confirmed Local Exposure
- Increased vigilance for measles-like symptoms
- Immediate evaluation of suspected cases by the Wellness Center
- Identification and notification of potentially exposed individuals
- Temporary protective measures for high-risk settings, as recommended
Level 3: Confirmed Measles Case on Campus
- Immediate activation of full response protocols
- Isolation of confirmed case(s) per CDC and PA DOH guidance
- Exclusion of non-immune individuals from campus as directed
- Enhanced communication to campus community
- Coordination with PA DOH for contact tracing and control measures
Vaccination Requirements and Verification
Students
- All students are required to comply with college immunization requirements, includingtwo doses of MMR vaccine or approved documentation of immunity, or medical orreligious/philosophical exemption
- Vaccination records must be uploaded to the Student Health Portal
- Students without verified immunity may be excluded from campus during an outbreak,per public health requirements
Employees
- Employees are strongly encouraged to ensure MMR vaccination is up to date
- Non-immune employees may be subject to work restrictions or remote work wherefeasible
Symptom Awareness and Reporting
Symptoms of Measles May Include:
- Fever (often high)
- Cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Koplik spots (small white spots inside the mouth)
- Characteristic rash beginning on the face and spreading downward
Reporting Expectations
- Any student or employee with symptoms consistent with measles should:
- Avoid campus spaces immediately
- Contact the Wellness Center (students) or their healthcare provider (employees)
- Suspected cases must be reported promptly to the Wellness Center
Case Identification and Isolation
- Suspected or confirmed measles cases will be immediately isolated
- Students living on campus will be sent home if medically and logistically appropriate toisolate. If unable to go home, students will isolate in designated housing.
- Isolation duration will follow CDC and PA DOH guidance
- Access to academic continuity options will be coordinated through Student Affairs andAcademic Affairs
Exposure Management and Exclusion
In coordination with PA DOH:
- The Wellness Center will identify individuals with significant exposure
- Individuals without documented immunity may be:
- Excluded from classes, residence halls, work, or campus activities
- Required to remain off campus for up to 21 days after last exposure
- Any and all costs incurred as a result of exclusion, quarantine, relocation, orremoval from campus are the sole responsibility of the student, including but notlimited to transportation or travel expenses, off-campus housing and meals, andmissed academic opportunities or related costs.
- Vaccinated or immune individuals may continue campus activities unless symptoms develop
Academic, Housing, and Workplace Considerations
Classrooms and Academic Spaces
- Student excluded from campus may be unable to attend classes, labs, clinical placements, internships, or activities, should not assume availability of remote instruction or academic accommodations, and remain responsible for academic requirements.
- Temporary adjustments (e.g., mask use, relocation, remote options) may be implemented as needed.
- Faculty will be notified if exclusions affect student attendance.
On-Campus Housing
- Designated spaces will be identified for isolation if required
- Residence Life staff will coordinate logistics and support for affected students
Employees and Leave Considerations
- Employees unable to work on campus due to measles exposure or exclusion should notifyHuman Resources
- Remote work will be utilized when possible
- Leave options will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Cleaning and Facilities Management
- Spaces occupied by a confirmed measles case will be closed as recommended
- Physical Plant will ensure appropriate ventilation and cleaning procedures
- Areas may remain unused for a period of time to allow airborne particles to clear
Campus Events, Travel, and Visitors
- Events may be modified, postponed, or canceled during an active measles response
- College-sponsored travel may be restricted for non-immune participants
- Visitors may be notified of vaccination recommendations during outbreaks
Communication Policies and Procedures
- Timely communication will be provided to:
- Students
- Employees
- Parents/families (as appropriate)
- Communications will balance transparency with privacy requirements
- A central email account ( wellnesscenter@westminster.edu) will be used for questions andreporting
Reporting Non-Compliance
- Compliance with measles response measures is expected
- Concerns about non-compliance should be reported to the designated campus email
- Follow-up will occur through appropriate administrative channels
Plan Review and Updates
- Updated as public health guidance evolves
- Activated as needed based on risk assessment and confirmed cases
