University Leadership Team is Monitoring Measles Outbreak
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is aware of and is monitoring a measles outbreak across the state of Texas in conjunction with Nueces County Public Health District. To protect the health and well-being of our campus community, we want to provide you with important information and reminders.
What You Need to Know About Measles:
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms can take 7–14 days to appear and include:
- High fever (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
- A red rash that starts on the face or scalp and spreads
How to Stay Safe, Especially During Spring Break:
- Check your Vaccination Status: Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine offer the best protection against measles. Make sure you’re up to date before traveling.
- If you have never received an MMR vaccination or if you did not get your second dose, call your local pharmacy for availability. If you have received two doses of an MMR vaccination, you do not need to get a booster shot or any additional shots.
- Be Cautious in Crowded Places: Airports, concerts, and popular destinations can increase exposure risks. Wash your hands often and avoid close contact with anyone who appears sick.
- Monitor your Health
- Students: If you suspect that you may have been exposed to measles, call 361.825.2601 for a telemedicine appointment. Please do not physically come into the University Health Center clinic due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.
- Faculty/Staff: If you suspect that you may have been exposed to measles, contact your primary care physician. If you do not have a local care physician, you may contact MDLive through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) by calling 888.680.8646 or the BCBS 24/7 Nurse Line at 800.581.0368.
- Know Where to Get Help
- Students: Contact the University Health Center clinic Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. at 361.825.2601. You can reach the nurse line after regular business hours, weekends, and holidays (including Spring Break) by calling 361.825.2601 and pressing option #2 if you have any questions. You can also contact the Nueces County Public Health District at 361.826.7200 or a local urgent care in your area for testing options.
- Faculty/Staff: If you have questions about measles, contact your primary care physician. If you do not have a local care physician, you may contact MDLive through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) by calling 888.680.8646 or the BCBS 24/7 Nurse Line at 800.581.0368.
- What Happens if I Test Positive for Measles
- Students: If you test positive for measles, contact the Dean of Students Office by calling 361.825.6219 or by emailing deanofstudents@tamucc.edu for assistance.
- Faculty/Staff: If you test positive for measles, contact your supervisor via email or phone for further instructions.
Due to the rising number of cases in Texas, it is important to stay informed and take precautions. For the latest case numbers, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.
For more information, contact the University Health Center by calling 361.825.2601 or by emailing health.center@tamucc.edu.
