Public Health Student Information

Mosquitoes can spread diseases that make you sick. In Massachusetts, mosquitoes can give you eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus or West Nile virus (WNV).

Only a small number of mosquitoes are infected at any given time, so being bitten by a mosquito does not mean you will get sick. However, the best way to avoid both of these illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites.

Massachusetts arbovirus update

Find local risk levels for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) based on seasonal testing.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update   

EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis)

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus.

How is the EEE virus spread?

The virus that causes EEE is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Massachusetts, the virus is most often identified in mosquitoes found in and around freshwater, hardwood swamps. More information about different types of mosquitoes that can spread the virus can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

EEE virus particularly infects birds, often with no evidence of illness in the bird. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite infected birds. Although humans and several other types of mammals, particularly horses and llamas, can become infected, they do not spread disease.

How common is EEE in Massachusetts?

EEE is a very rare disease. Since the virus was first identified in Massachusetts in 1938, just over 115 cases have occurred. The majority of cases typically have been from Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties. However, in an active year human cases can occur throughout the state.

Outbreaks of EEE usually occur in Massachusetts every 10-20 years. These outbreaks will typically last two to three years. The most recent outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts began in 2019 and included twelve cases with six fatalities. The outbreak continued in 2020 with five cases including one fatality.

What are the symptoms of EEE?

The first symptoms of EEE are fever (often 103º to 106ºF), stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy. These symptoms show up three to ten days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, is the most dangerous and frequent serious complication. The disease gets worse quickly and some patients may go into a coma within a week.

What is the treatment for EEE?

There is no treatment for EEE. In Massachusetts, about half of the people identified with EEE died from the infection. People who survive this disease will often be permanently disabled. Few people recover completely.

What can you do to protect yourself from EEE?

Since the virus that causes EEE is spread by mosquitoes, here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of being bitten:

• Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• When you are outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.
• Remove areas of standing water around your home. 

More information on choosing and using repellents safely is included in the MDPH Mosquito Repellents fact sheet which can be viewed online at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito. If you can’t go online, contact the MDPH at (617) 983-6800 for a hard copy.

This information is adapted from: EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) | Mass.gov

West Nile Virus (WNV)

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis. It was first identified in the United States in 1999.

How is WNV spread?

WNV is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. More information about different types of mosquitoes that can spread WNV can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

WNV may also be spread through blood transfusion or organ transplant. In addition, there are rare reports of WNV being passed from pregnant or breastfeeding women, who are infected with WNV, to their babies. Since these reports are rare, the health effects on an unborn or breastfeeding baby are unclear and still being studied.

People do not become infected by having direct contact with other infected people, birds or animals.

Why don’t I need to report dead birds anymore?

From 2000 to 2008, MDPH collected reports and ran tests for WNV on dead birds in Massachusetts as one of several ways to monitor WNV activity across the state. This method has become less useful for finding the virus. Many other states have discontinued dead bird reporting and testing. Mosquito collection and testing gives the most reliable indication of current WNV activity and this is where monitoring activities will continue to be focused.

Dead birds are no longer being tested for WNV and do not need to be reported to MDPH. Dead birds can be safely disposed of in the trash. Using gloves, a shovel or plastic bags covering your hands, the dead bird should be double-bagged and placed in the trash. You should then wash your hands.

What are the symptoms of WNV?

The majority of people who are infected with WNV (approximately 80%) will have no symptoms.

A smaller number of people who become infected (~ 20%) will have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands. They may also develop a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.

Less than 1% of people infected with WNV will develop severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis. The symptoms of severe illness can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Persons older than 50 years of age have a higher risk of developing severe illness.

How common is WNV in Massachusetts?

Because most people who are exposed to WNV have no symptoms, it is difficult to know exactly how many people have been infected. People who develop severe illness with WNV are most often reported. Between 2014 and 2023, 131 people were reported with WNV infection in Massachusetts. Eight of these people died. Cases have been identified from around the state.

What can you do to protect yourself from WNV?

Since WNV is most commonly spread by mosquitoes, here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of being bitten:

• Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• When you are outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.
• Remove areas of standing water around your home. 

More information on choosing and using repellents safely is included in the MDPH Mosquito Repellents fact sheet which can be viewed online at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito. If you can’t go online, contact MDPH at (617) 983-6800 for a hard copy.

This information has been adapted from: West Nile Virus (WNV) | Mass.gov

Back to top

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be very contagious and can spread quickly COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease.  COVID-19, like the flu, pneumonia and RSV falls into the category of respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illnesses are viruses that may cause both upper respiratory tract symptoms (the vocal chords and above) and lower respiratory tract symptoms (below the vocal chords). Some viruses also affect the nose, throat and lungs, and can lead to serious lung infections, such as pneumonia.

What are respiratory illnesses?

Common respiratory viral illnesses are COVID-19, Flu, RSV, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (common cold), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease).

What are COVID-19 symptoms?

The following list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status. Possible symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you have an emergency like trouble breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. Call 911 or MCLA Public Safety 413.662.5100

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others' eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate the surfaces they touch.  Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms. COVID-19 can even spread from people to animals in some situations.

Where can MCLA student’s get a COVID-19 test?

Call Health Services at 413.662.5421 to a make an appointment for a test or to be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19.

Contact your professors for guidance with class attendance. Health Services does not provide class excuses. Take your meals to go and do not eat in the dining area.

Stay home if you experience symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as COVID-19, such as a fever, sore throat, cough, or runny/stuffy nose.  Accordance with CDC guidance: Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

You can begin normal activities with precautions if:

• you’ve had no fever for 24 hours (without medications) AND
• your other symptoms are improving

You may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. For at least 5 days after you resume normal activities, these additional precautions are recommended:

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces and wear a mask when indoors around other people.
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid spending time with people at an increased risk for severe disease

What should you do if you were exposed to COVID-19 or a respiratory illness.

You do NOT need to stay home if you’ve had an exposure, as long as you do not have any symptoms. You should monitor yourself closely, if you start to develop any signs of illness contact your healthcare provider. You can also consider masking when around others or in crowded spaces.

Should you wear a mask?

Wearing a mask is your personal choice and can help lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them. Different masks offer different levels of protection. Wearing the most protective one you can comfortably wear for extended periods of time that fits well (completely covering the nose and mouth) is the most effective option.

Should you maintain a physical distance from others?

You should maintain a physical distance if are positive for COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses. Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus. There is no single number that defines a “safe” distance, since spread of viruses can depend on many factors. Generally, infectious droplets and particles build up closer to the person who is releasing them. The closer you are to someone who has a respiratory virus, the more likely you are to catch it.

How to avoid becoming ill with COVID-19 or a respiratory illness?

Get your vaccines for COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses, for example flu, RSV, and pneumonia. Follow good hand hygiene. Avoid crowded areas.  Keep yourself well with healthy habits and strong immune system.

For more information, please visit MADPH for more information.  Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses | Mass.gov

Information adapted from CDC. CDC's Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance: What to Do When You Are Sick | NCIRD | CDC

Back to top

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)

MCLA Health Services is committed to informing the MCLA community about health issues that may affect them. We recognize that there is risk for stigma or discrimination when communicating about a new disease outbreak. We all have a responsibility to reject any stigmatizing words or actions related to Mpox (hMPXV) virus and instead, share accurate information so that people can make the best decisions for their health and the health of our community. Mpox is not a sexually transmitted disease as it can be transmitted by any direct physical contact between someone’s rash, scabs, bodily fluids, and another person. This contact can include sexual activity and any touching of the lesions/rash or even touching of clothing or bedding that an infected person used.

What is Mpox?

• Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the Mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and Mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.
• Mpox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.
• The first human case of Mpox was recorded in 1970. Before the 2022 outbreak, Mpox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all Mpox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.
• There are two types of Mpox virus: Clade I and Clade II. The Clade I type of Mpox virus has a fatality rate around 10%.
• Infections in the current outbreak are from Clade II, or more specifically, Clade IIb.
• Infections with Clade IIb are rarely fatal. More than 99% of people who get this form of the disease are likely to survive. However, people with severely weakened immune systems, children younger than 1 year of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill or die.

Mpox symptoms

People with Mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus. The incubation period is 3-17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.

The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of Mpox can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

You may experience all or only a few symptoms. Watch for symptoms of Mpox for 21 days from the date of your last exposure. If you have symptoms, such as a rash, visit a healthcare provider.

How long do Mpox symptoms last?

• Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.
• A person with Mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
• New data show that some people can spread Mpox to others from one to four days before their symptoms appear. It’s not clear how many people this has affected during the current outbreak. There is currently no evidence showing that people who never develop symptoms have spread the virus to someone else. 

How is Mpox spread?

Mpox is spread through:

• Direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids.
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during Intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
• Touching objects, fabrics (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with Mpox.
• Being scratched or bitten by an infected animal.
• Mpox can be acquired by all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Mpox causes a rash.
• Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.

What to do if you are a close contact.

• If you have been informed that you are a close contact of a person with Mpox, it’s important to take steps to protect your health and the health of others.

If You're a Close Contact | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC

What to do if you think you have Mpox?

• Seek medical care and avoid close physical contact and gatherings, including sex with others until you know for sure. Wear a mask and cover your rash when you need to go out for medical appointments. Talk to your partners about any recent illnesses or rashes they might have.
• If you have a rash and think you might be at risk for Mpox due to an exposure or high-risk activities call MCLA Health Services at (413) 662-5421. Make sure to wear a mask and to cover any lesions you have with clothing and let staff know as soon as possible why you are there.

When to Get Tested

• Currently, testing is only recommended if you have a rash consistent with Mpox.
• If you think you have Mpox or have had close personal contact with someone who has Mpox, consider taking precautions and visit a healthcare provider to help you decide if you need to be tested for Mpox.

Where to Get Tested

• Only a healthcare provider can order an Mpox test. The healthcare provider may take a specimen and send it to a lab for testing or they may send you to a lab for both specimen collection and testing.
• Contact your local health department with any questions and to find out what the testing options are for your community.

What to Expect When You Get Tested

• You will need to fill out paperwork before you get tested.
• To get a specimen to test, the healthcare provider will use a swab to rub vigorously across lesions of your rash. They will take swabs from more than one lesion.
• This swabbing may be uncomfortable but is necessary to get enough material to detect the Mpox virus from the specimens.
• The specimens will be tested in a lab to see if the Mpox virus is detected.
• Results are generally available within a few days.
• While you are waiting for your results, take precautions to avoid getting or spreading Mpox virus to others.

How can you reduce your risk and prevent spread?

• Avoid close contact (including sexual contact) with people who are sick or have a rash and their household/contaminated items.
• Decrease the number of sex and intimate contact partners.
• Avoid gatherings where people wear minimal clothing and have direct, intimate, skin-to-skin contact.
• Be mindful of activities (e.g., kissing, sharing drinks and eating utensils) that might increase the risk for spreading Mpox whenever you gather with others.

Mpox Vaccination Basics

• Mpox is caused by a virus that is related to the virus that causes smallpox. JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine developed to protect against Mpox and smallpox infections. People need to get both doses of the vaccine for the best protection against Mpox. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose.

Mpox Vaccine Recommendations | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC

Information adapted from:

 CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html 

MADPH: https://www.mass.gov/monkeypox 

Back to top

When is Flu season?

• While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.

How does Flu spread?

• People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

When are infected people considered contagious?

• People with flu are most contagious days 1-4 after their illness begins.  Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Those with weakened immune systems may pass the virus for longer than 7 days.

When do symptoms develop?

• Symptoms can begin about 2 days (but can range from 1 to 4 days) after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with a flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those people may still spread the virus to others.

What are the preventive steps to avoid the flu?

1. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. This season, all flu vaccines will be designed to protect against the four flu viruses that research indicates will be most common.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.  If you were prescribed “anti-viral medication” please take as directed.
4. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
5. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
7. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects often that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.

How do I know if I have the Flu or Covid-19?

• Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus first identified in 2019.  Flu is caused by infection with a flu virus.  Please visit this link for more information. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm 

Information adapted from: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm  

MADPH, https://www.mass.gov/influenza 

Back to top

What is Pertussis/Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness. Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans. Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.

What are the symptoms of Pertussis/Whooping Cough?

Symptoms of whooping cough can vary for people based on their age and if they've been vaccinated or not. It usually takes 5 to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the bacteria that cause whooping cough. Sometimes symptoms don't develop for as long as 3 weeks.

Early symptoms of pertussis/whooping cough can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:

• common cold symptoms-nasal congestion, fever, mild cough
• Whooping cough is known for the "whoop" noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit.

Later symptoms include paroxysms, or coughing fits lasting 1 to 6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks:

• Rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits, generally gets worse and becomes more common as the illness continues. Those who get these coughing fits say it's the worst cough of their lives.

Coughing fits can cause people to:

• Make a high-pitched "whoop" when they inhale after a coughing fit
• Vomit during or after coughing fits
• Feel very tired after the fit, but usually seem well in-between fits
• Have difficulty sleeping at night
• Struggle to breathe
• Fracture (break) a rib

How is Pertussis/Whooping Cough diagnosed?

Pertussis/Whooping cough can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are often like other respiratory illnesses. It can be helpful to know if you've been in contact with someone who has whooping cough.

Healthcare professionals can diagnose by:

• History of typical signs and symptoms
• Physical exam
• Laboratory test of a mucus sample from the back of the throat
• Blood test

How is Pertussis/Whooping Cough treated?

• Individuals with symptoms should call their healthcare provider. Taking antibiotics early in the illness may shorten the amount of time someone's contagious.

How do you prevent Pertussis/Whooping Cough?

• The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for everyone. There are two types of combination vaccines that protect against whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap.
• All adults who have never received one should get a Tdap shot. This can be given at any time, regardless of when they last got Td and receive a booster every 10 years.
• CDC recommends practicing good hygiene to help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause many respiratory illnesses.

For more information, please visit the CDC. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Whooping Cough | CDC

Back to top

What is measles?

• Measles is a disease caused by a virus that spreads very easily from person to person.
• It usually lasts a week or two. Measles looks and feels like a cold or the flu at first.
• A cough, high fever, runny nose and red, watery eyes are common. 
• A few days later, a red, blotchy rash starts on the face, and then spreads to the rest of the body.

Is measles dangerous?

• Yes. Measles often causes diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. 
• Deafness, blindness, seizure disorders and other brain diseases with measles are less common. 
• Measles can also cause swelling of the brain and death, although this is rare in the United States. 
• Measles is most dangerous for children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

How is measles spread?

• Measles is more easily spread than almost any other disease.
• The virus that causes measles lives in the nose and throat and is sprayed into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. 
• It can stay in the air for up to 2 hours. 
• Other people nearby can then inhale the virus.
• Touching tissues or sharing a cup used by someone who has measles can also spread the virus.
• People with measles can spread the disease 4 days before the rash begins until 4 days after rash onset. 
• The first symptoms appear 10 - 14 days after a person is exposed.

Who gets measles?

• Anyone who never had measles and has never been vaccinated.
• Babies younger than 12 months old, because they are too young to be vaccinated.
• Adults who were vaccinated before 1968, because some early vaccines did not give lasting protection.
• A very small percentage of vaccinated children and adults who may not have responded well to the vaccine.

How is measles diagnosed?

• Because measles can look like other diseases that cause a rash, the only sure way to know if you have measles is to get tested. 
• Testing is usually done on a swab from your nose or throat, and on blood.

How can you prevent measles?

• Get vaccinated. Measles vaccine is usually given in a shot called MMR, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. There are now many fewer cases of these three diseases because children get the MMR vaccine. Protect your children by having them vaccinated when they are 12 - 15 months old, and again when they are about to enter kindergarten. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
• State regulations require certain groups to be vaccinated against measles. Some health care workers and all children in kindergarten – 12th grade and college need to have 2 doses of MMR vaccine for school entry. Children in child care and preschool need 1 dose of MMR and childcare workers also need to have 1 or 2 doses of measles containing vaccine, depending on their age and other factors. A blood test or other laboratory result that provides evidence of immunity can also be used to fulfill this requirement for all groups.
• People in high risk groups such as health care workers (paid, unpaid and volunteer), health science students and international travelers should have 2 doses of MMR, regardless of year of birth. Infants six months through eleven months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to international travel.
• Adults born in or after 1957 should have at least 1 dose of MMR.
• Women who plan to have children and are not immune should get MMR at least 4 weeks before getting pregnant.
• If you have been exposed to someone with measles, talk to your doctor or nurse right away to see if you need a vaccination. If you get the vaccine within 3 days (72 hours) after being exposed, it will help protect you against measles. People who cannot be vaccinated can be treated with immune globulin (IG antibodies) up to 6 days after exposure. IG may not prevent measles, but it does make the disease milder.
• People with measles should avoid all public activities until they are well again. State regulations require anyone who catches measles to be isolated for 4 days after the rash appears. That means they stay away from public places like day care centers, school and work. 

What should travelers do?

• Because measles is more common in other parts of the world, people who travel to other countries should make sure that they are protected before traveling.
• All travelers 12 months of age and older should have 2 doses of MMR given at least 28 days apart or a blood test showing immunity.
• Children 6 through 11 months of age should receive 1 dose of MMR before traveling. These children will still need to get their 2 routine doses of MMR at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age.

Is MMR vaccine safe?

• Yes. It is safe for most people. 
• However, a vaccine, like other medicines, can cause side effects in some people. 
• The MMR vaccine can cause fever, mild rash, temporary pain or stiffness of the joints. 
• More severe problems, such as seizures, bleeding problems or allergic reactions are very rare.
• Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, and most people do not have any problems with the vaccine.

Who should not get MMR vaccine?

• People who have serious allergies to gelatin, the drug neomycin or a previous dose of the vaccine.
• Pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant within 4 weeks should not get MMR vaccine until after they deliver their babies.
• People with a severe immunodeficiency (e.g., from hematologic and solid tumors, receipt of chemotherapy, congenital immunodeficiency, or long-term immunosuppressive therapy or patients with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection who are severely immunocompromised) should check with their doctor or nurse before getting vaccinated.
• People who have recently had a transfusion or were given other blood products should check with their doctor or nurse before getting vaccinated.
• People with high fevers should not be vaccinated until after the fever and other symptoms are gone.

Should healthcare workers be extra careful about measles?

• Yes. Healthcare workers who are not immune to measles can get measles and spread it to their patients, who might then become dangerously ill. 
• That is why it is a state regulation that health care workers who do not have evidence of immunity must stay out of work from the 5th day through the 21st day after being exposed to measles or at least 4 days after the rash appears if they develop measles. 
• Healthcare workers who do not have serologic evidence of immunity (i.e., positive blood test) or laboratory evidence of disease must have documentation of 2 doses of measles vaccine or are subject to Massachusetts isolation and quarantine regulations.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, nurse or MCLA Health Services, or your local board of     health.
• The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences at (617) 983-6800 or on the MDPH Website.

Information adapted from: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html  

MADPH, https://www.mass.gov/service-details/measles#:~:text=Measles%20is%20a%20disease%20caused,red%2C%20watery%20eyes%20are%20common 

Back to top

What is Polio?

Polio (short for “poliomyelitis”) is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It is rare in the U.S. Approximately 95% of people infected with polio will have no symptoms. About 4 – 8% of those infected will have minor symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, flu-like symptoms, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the limbs, which often resolve completely. Less than 1% of polio cases result in permanent paralysis of the limbs (usually the legs).

Polio may not cause serious illness in most people, but sometimes it can kill people who get it, usually by paralyzing the muscles that help in breathing. Polio is still common in some parts of the world. So, although there hasn’t been a case of polio caused by naturally occurring virus in the United States since 1979, there is still a risk of the virus coming into this country.

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/polio 

Is polio dangerous?

• Yes. Before polio vaccines were developed, thousands of people a year in the United States were paralyzed and killed by the disease.
• Polio vaccine is helping to rid the world of polio. When that happens, no one will ever get polio again, and we will not need polio vaccine.

How is polio spread?

• The virus that causes polio is spread from the throat and through stool (feces). 
• People can also spread the virus by touch if they do not wash their hands after coughing or using the toilet.
• Food and liquids can be contaminated this way. People who have not been immunized can get polio disease by eating food or drinking liquids containing the virus.
• People with polio may spread the disease from about 1 week before their symptoms start until about 6 weeks after. Symptoms usually start about one to three weeks after a person is exposed.

How can you prevent polio?

Children:

• Protect your children by having them vaccinated when they are 2 months, 4 months and 6 - 18 months old, and again when they are about to enter kindergarten. 
• State regulations require children attending childcare/preschool, and those in kindergarten through grade 12 to be vaccinated against polio.

Adults:

Most adults do not need polio vaccine because they were already vaccinated as children. But three groups of adults are at higher risk and should consider polio vaccination:

• People traveling to areas of the world where polio is occurring.
• Laboratory workers who might handle poliovirus.
• Healthcare workers treating patients who could have polio.

How many polio vaccines are there?

• Currently only inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which is a shot, is available in the United States. 
• Oral polio vaccine (OPV), which is contained in drops that are swallowed, is no longer distributed in the US.

Are polio vaccines safe?

• IPV is very safe. 
• However, as with any medicine, vaccines can cause side effects in some people. 
• A few people who get IPV get mild soreness where the shot was given. 
• There is a very small risk of more severe side effects and allergic reactions (hives, difficulty in breathing, shock) but they are very rare. 
• The risk of a polio shot causing serious harm or death is extremely small. 
• The polio shot (IPV) has been used since 2000 in the United States. It does not cause polio.

Who should not get IPV?

• Anyone who is allergic to any of the following antibiotics: neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B, because small amounts of these may be in the vaccine.
• Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to polio shot.

Should travelers get polio boosters before leaving the United States?

• Travelers should check their records to make sure they are up-to-date on all vaccines when planning to leave the United States.
• Polio no longer occurs in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, USA, Japan, China, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the Western Pacific region. 
• Children should be up-to-date for their age on all vaccines before traveling.
• Adults who are not completely vaccinated should get as many doses as possible before departure. 
• Adults who have had 3 doses might need another dose before traveling to areas where polio still occurs, including developing countries in Africa, South Asia and some parts of the Middle East.

To find out if the CDC recommends a polio booster dose for a trip, call 1-877-394-8747 or visit either the CDC Travel Information website or the World Health Organization Polio Eradication website.

What is post-polio syndrome?

• Post-polio syndrome tends to strike people 20 to 30 years after they first had the disease. (This syndrome is also called post-polio muscle atrophy or late effects of polio.) 
• Symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps and pain, increased fatigue, and trouble breathing. 
• Up to one in four polio survivors may suffer from this syndrome.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, nurse or clinic, or your local board of health (listed in the phone book under local government).
• The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Immunization Program (617) 983-6800 or toll-free at (888) 658-2850, or on the MDPH website.

Information adapted from: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/polio/what-is-polio/index.htm 

MADPH, https://www.mass.gov/service-details/polio 

Back to top