University of Minnesota student has confirmed case of measles

A University of Minnesota student has a confirmed case of the measles, U officials said in a news release on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old male student recently returned from international travel and is currently isolated off-campus. Before being diagnosed, the student, whose identity has not been released, attended class from Jan. 20 through Jan. 23 on the East Bank and visited the U's Rec center on the evening of Jan. 20.

"University of Minnesota's Academic Health Center and Boynton Health Service are working closely with public health officials to contact anyone who may have been exposed to measles from the ill student. Local physicians, clinics, and hospitals are being alerted to watch for patients with measles symptoms," the university said.

Info for students, faculty

U of M health officials said those on campus who have been immunized are not at risk, but measles is highly infectious among the non-vaccinated.

Health officials remind any faculty or staff members who have not been vaccinated for measles and who have concerns about exposure should contact their health care provider. Students with concerns can contact Boynton Health Service.

The Minnesota Department of Health said officials are working closely with the U as they notify other students who may have been exposed. Fairview will be contacting staff who may have had contact with the student when he sought treatment at its University of Minnesota facility.

About measles

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms include rash, accompanied by fever and in some cases cough or runny nose. Symptoms appear about eight to 12 days after a person is exposed to measles. The first symptom is usually fever. The rash usually appears two to three days after the fever begins and lasts five to six days. The disease has become very rare in the United States, thanks to widespread vaccination.

How effective is MMR vaccine?

More than 95 percent of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all 3 viruses. A second vaccine dose gives immunity to almost all of those who did not respond to the first dose.

More: Measles facts from the CDC

Measles in Minnesota

Preliminary data from 2014 indicates Minnesota saw 2 cases of measles in 2014, for a total of 53 cases from 1997-2015.

More: Measles stats in Minnesota