Measles Update for CofC Faculty, Staff

College of Charleston Employees,

As you may be aware, there have been cases of measles identified on several South Carolina college campuses. Although the College of Charleston does not currently have any reported cases of measles, we are closely monitoring the situation as we work to ensure everyone’s safety and preparedness.

Currently, the College does not require proof of vaccination from employees, but we are hoping you can help keep our campus community safe and prepared in the event of a public health event.

Measles is highly contagious through respiratory droplet spread and can remain airborne and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a specific area.

Although people born before 1957 are considered immune from measles, individuals diagnosed with measles are contagious to others from four days before the rash onset to four days after the rash appears.

What this means for you:

1. Please review your immunization status. Two MMR vaccinations are the best method of prevention at 97%. You may want to have your immunization records handy just in case you need them (*see below about a possible mobile vaccine clinic on campus).
2. If you do not have access to your immunizations, bloodwork called “titers” can be ordered by your primary care provider to see if you have immunity.
3. To help locate your immunization records, refer to the Department of Public Health (DPH) website SIMON system if you received your vaccines in South Carolina. If you received vaccination in another state, that state’s health department should have a similar system to search. Other options are school records if you have recent attendance in high school or higher education and your personal medical record through your provider (e.g., MyChart).
4. If you suspect have been exposed to the measles and do not have symptoms, please wear a mask and self-isolate immediately. Call your primary care provider for recommendations on next steps. If you do not have a primary care provider or it is after hours, call the DPH 24-hour hotline for guidance: 843.441.1091.
5. If you believe you have symptoms related to measles, and to reduce the risk of spreading the illness, call your primary care provider or local urgent care/emergency department for instructions before going to that location.
6. If you are diagnosed or exposed to measles, DPH will require a 21-day quarantine period unless proof of vaccine is provided. If you are unvaccinated and receive the first vaccination within 72 hours of exposure, the quarantine period may be significantly reduced or not required. If you are guided by DPH to isolate or quarantine, returning to work on campus will be based on recommendations set by DPH.
7. MUSC virtual Urgent care is also available 24/7. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://muschealth.org/get-care-now
8. In case of an emergency, call 911.  Please make sure to tell the operator that your symptoms requiring transport may be related to measles.

Vaccinations are available through local pharmacies and are covered by insurance. If you do not have insurance coverage, the cost of vaccination is approximately $125.

*The College is considering hosting a mobile measles vaccine clinic on campus. First, we need to determine the level of interest. If you are interested in participating, please let us know here: Employee Interest for On-Site Mobile Measles Vaccination Clinic – Fill out form.

Please stay aware of updated communication regarding measles and our college campus. For more information, please visit these Department of Public Health links:

1. https://dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/measles-rubeola/2025-measles-outbreak
2. https://dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/measles-rubeola

Ed

Edward B. Pope, SHRM-SCP
Vice President for Human Resources
College of Charleston