While a University of Minnesota student has a confirmed case of measles, most St. Thomas students are not at risk because of the university and state’s immunization policies, according to Madonna McDermott, director of Health Services.
The university policy reflects state law requiring students be immunized for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella; however, with a notarized document, students can opt out of these immunizations for allergies, philosophical or religious reasons. Out of the 6,625 active undergraduate St. Thomas students, there are 81 exemptions for the measles vaccine. McDermott said this small percentage leaves little risk for those who are vaccinated.
“Usually you have immunity,” McDermott said. “The students at risk are those that are not fully immunized. Measles is a highly contagious virus, and it’s spread through the air, similar to influenza.”
Because of St. Thomas’ close proximity to the U of M and students mingling between the schools, McDermott said it’s important for students to practice healthy habits and watch for symptoms.
“Any time you have a kind of environment with people living in close proximity the chances for a communicable disease to spread is higher,” McDermott said. “That’s why we stress good self care and flu shots. We want you to stay healthy.”
According to the U of M, the 20-year-old male student recently returned from international travel and is now isolated off campus while recovering. Before being diagnosed, he attended classes from Jan. 20 through 23 on the East Bank and had visited the University Recreation and Wellness Center on the evening of Jan. 20.
The Minnesota Department of Health is working closely with university officials, and they will notify other students who may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease.
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, runny nose, red eyes and a rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
St. Thomas sophomore Patrick Winter has a brother attending the U of M and said he hopes the case is contained.
“Obviously measles is a very concerning disease,” Winter said. “Being in a college community and being in close proximity to a lot of people, it is concerning, especially because my brother is at the U of M. With science and medicine these days, I think it will be a very small problem.”
Like many St. Thomas students, junior Hannah Smith has visited friends at the U of M.
“If we’re all vaccinated for (measles), that’s not something on my radar that I should be looking out for,” Smith said. “The flu is a lot more common and something I might get.”
If a case does spread to St. Thomas, McDermott said Health Services would work closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to contain and treat the virus. For now, students should be making sure they’re fully vaccinated and getting their flu shot.
“The people at most risk are the really young because they don’t have a strong immune system yet, and those who are having a transplant or going to through chemotherapy,” McDermott said. “It’s not only about individual safety; it’s about the people around us.”
Simeon Lancaster can be reached at lanc4637@stthomas.edu.