Skye Taylor
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to science. It spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space, creating exposure risks in crowded environments.
Sean Bear, assistant director of Health Services and public health administrator at Georgia Southern, said the way measles spreads makes college settings especially concerning.
“Measles is airborne and extremely contagious,” Bear said. “If one student with measles is in a classroom, nearly everyone in that room could be exposed, along with anyone who enters that space for two hours afterwards.”
A person infected with measles can spread the virus for up to four days before a rash appears and four days after, giving the virus a long window to move undetected. In populations with no immunity, up to nine out of 10 exposed individuals can become infected.
Georgia Southern requires incoming students to provide proof of two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is considered “full” protection. The policy follows University System of Georgia requirements and is designed to prevent outbreaks before they start.
“We monitor immunization compliance closely for incoming students,” Bear said. “Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to prevent measles on campus.”
Despite these requirements, exemptions remain available for religious reasons, medical contraindications and fully online enrollments. Even small numbers of unvaccinated individuals can weaken immunity.
Dr. Isaac Chun-Hai Fung, a professor of biostatistics at Georgia Southern and an infectious disease epidemiologist, said declining vaccination rates are driving the resurgence of measles in the United States.
“Measles was previously eliminated in this country,” Fung said. “What we are seeing now is a direct result of gaps in vaccination coverage.”
Fung said measles has a much higher transmission rate than most respiratory illnesses, making it especially dangerous when immunity levels fall.
“Measles spreads far more efficiently than viruses like influenza,” Fung said. “When vaccination rates drop below the threshold needed for herd immunity, outbreaks become almost inevitable.”
Vaccine hesitancy has grown over the past decade, accelerated by misinformation and increased distrust in health institutions following COVID. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overwhelming majority of measles cases occur in unvaccinated individuals.
The impact extends beyond college campuses. Infants and young children rely on high community vaccination rates for protection.
The first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically given at 12 months of age. Until then, infants are at higher risk for serious complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation.
Not all parents view vaccination decisions the same way. Rachel Norris, a mother who has chosen not to vaccinate her children, said her decision is based on personal health beliefs rather than religion.
“Our family leans toward natural health approaches,” Norris said. “That is what we feel most comfortable with when it comes to our children.”
Norris said she understands public health concerns but believes families should be able to make individual medical decisions.
Bear explained that if a measles case were identified at Georgia Southern, Health Services would immediately notify the Georgia Department of Public Health. Infected individuals would be required to isolate, while unvaccinated people exposed to the virus could be subject to quarantine for up to 21 days.
Georgia Southern Health Services offers the MMR vaccine on campus and encourages students to ensure their immunization records are up to date.
“As long as vaccine hesitancy continues, we will continue to see preventable outbreaks.” Bear said.