June 3, 2005

Measles case confirmed on Purdue campus

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – State health officials today (Friday, June 3) have confirmed a case of measles in an infant living in Purdue Village, a family housing apartment complex on the university's campus.

James S. Westman, director of Purdue's Student Health Center, said Purdue Village residents were being notified of the measles case, the first to be reported on campus since 1993.

"We are encouraging residents to monitor themselves and family members for measles symptoms and to check their immunization records to make sure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine," Westman said.

The Tippecanoe County Health Department will provide the vaccine free of charge to anyone who has not been vaccinated. Westman said those who need the vaccine should contact the health department at (765) 423-9221. The health department's hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

According to county health department officials, there have been four confirmed measles cases in Tippecanoe County and an additional 16 suspected cases in Tippecanoe and Clinton counties.

Measles usually begin with coldlike symptoms – cough, runny nose, watery or inflamed eyes, and sensitivity to light – followed by a high fever and a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash may last up to seven days.

"Anyone who suspects they have the measles should remain in their home and contact their health-care provider or a local emergency room," Westman said. "It is important to remain isolated to reduce the risk of spreading the illness to others in the community."

A measles fact sheet is available on the Indiana State Health Department Web site.

Writer: Brian Zink, (765) 494-2080, bzink@purdue.edu

Source: James S. Westman, (765) 494-1720, westman@purdue.edu</P>

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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