BURSTCHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) - Cases of measles have slowed down, but that's not stopping University of Illinois officials from keeping an eye on it.
Even though there's no longer an outbreak in Illinois, thousands of students are about to come to Champaign-Urbana from areas that could have active cases. More than 60,000 students will be returning to campus in the next few weeks from all around the world.
Last month, the Illinois Department of Public Health said the measles outbreak in Southern Illinois was over. After eight confirmed cases, no new ones had been identified since May, according to the state.
A university official said they have seen more cases recently than in 20 years. However, these cases aren't only in the United States, which is a concern for the university.
"We want to make sure that they are all vaccinated before they come to campus," said Awais Vaid, executive director at the McKinley Health Center.
He said measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases. If not vaccinated, the chances of catching it are very high.
"In fact, 4 out of 5 people will probably get measles if they come in contact with somebody," Vaid said.
The quarantine for someone with a positive case lasts eight to 10 days. However, if you're not vaccinated and come into contact with someone, quarantine lasts 21 days. And if you test positive on day 20, your quarantine will last even longer.
"Then, you have another 10 more days of isolation. So, in essence, you'll be pretty much out of school, not being able to attend anything, for a full entire month," Vaid said.
Michael Wentzel, a graduate student at the University of Illinois, said that time away from class would be tough.
"It's a big hit to your semester being quarantined for three weeks," Wentzel said. “I’m not worried about it because I am vaccinated.”
Measles is an airborne disease, which means it can travel through HVAC systems.
"If you are in a classroom, building, or facility, you are still considered exposed," Vaid said.
If you have taken the proper steps to protect yourself, Vaid is sure of one thing.
"If you are vaccinated, and even if you are sitting next to someone who is positive, you are fine," Vaid added.
The McKinley Health Center offers free measles vaccines for students. Vaid said that even one dose of the two-part vaccine is 93% effective. After both, you are 97% protected, and it's good for life.