Preliminary testing has suggested that a University student could have a case of the measles, Princeton’s University Health Services announced in an email to the student body late Wednesday afternoon.
The email stated that 99.5% of the student body has been vaccinated against the disease. The student with the suspected case is among those who had been immunized against the measles, according to University Spokesperson Martin Mbugua. For students who have not been vaccinated, the New Jersey Department of Health has recommended self-isolation as an option. At the same time, the University encourages all students to remain alert to potential: although the MMR vaccine has an established efficacy, individual immune responses can still vary. While most vaccinated individuals should be able to mount an immune response to the disease, the CDC reported last month that out of the first 52 measles cases in the current nationwide outbreak, 4 infected individuals had received both doses of the vaccine, and 2 infected individuals had received one dose.
Mbugua stated that the University announcement regarding the case is applicable to all students, including those with immunizations. “Students should remain vigilant at all times,” Mbugua explained. “Regarding this case, we encourage continued vigilance in the days ahead and additional information, including any additional steps to be taken, will be provided as it becomes available.”
The University has contacted individuals who have been in proximity of the potentially infected student, and officials will reach out to those students with incomplete immunization records. Although final tests are pending and the individual is no longer contagious, the New Jersey Department of Health is recommending that faculty and staff who have visited the following spaces on campus between February 4 and February 8 to be alert for potential symptoms:
- Whitman College Dining Hall
- 1938 Hall
- Baker Hall
- Blair Hall
- Holder Hall
- Spelman Hall
- Frick Chemistry Building
- Friend Center
- Wallace Hall
- Frist Campus Center
- McCosh Health Center
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early signs of the measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes.
The Princeton Public Health Review will be in contact with representatives from the University and CDC with more information. Check back for more updates!
Last Updated: 11:08 AM 2/19/15