SANTA CRUZ — An emergency measles vaccination clinic has been set up at UC Santa Cruz after a student came in contact with the virus during a weekend visit with family in Seattle.

The student had not been vaccinated for measles and could have picked up the virus from an infected baby from China adopted by family members, said Fritz Nelson, manager of Santa Cruz County’s disease control unit.

"Measles is one of the most highly transmitted diseases known to mankind," Nelson said. "If you’re in a room with someone infected, you can get it easily if you haven’t been vaccinated."

The student attended five sociology classes Monday and Tuesday, and she rode a public bus to and from the university before being notified by Washington state health officials that she had been exposed to the disease.

So far the UCSC student hasn’t shown any signs of the virus and is staying at home off campus. Her two roommates had the appropriate vaccinations, Nelson said.

The student will remain at home until it’s known whether she has the virus. Health officials released little information about the student.

"We won’t know if she has the measles until she shows a rash," Nelson said. "We don’t know if she will get sick or not."

If 21 days pass without a rash, the student will be in the clear.

The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency was alerted to the possible measles case by Washington officials on Wednesday morning. Immediately, e-mails were sent to all UCSC students, faculty and staff with information about the virus and recommendations for immunizations.

Immunizations are recommended for anyone who has been immunized only once or isn’t sure about their measles immunization history. Repeat immunizations are not harmful, Nelson said.

All people born after 1956 must have two measles vaccinations to be considered protected from the disease. Adults who had the measles before the vaccinations are immune.

Measles vaccinations are available at the student health clinic today.

Measles is a potentially fatal, highly contagious virus characterized by a red, blotchy rash. Symptoms begin with a fever, runny nose, cough and small spots with white or bluish centers. Serious complications can develop, such as pneumonia, ear infections and brain swelling.

The Washington Department of Health has reported seven confirmed or probable cases of the measles in two counties in children recently adopted from China. Hundreds of people in 21 public places such as Target and Babies R Us in King and Snohomish counties may have been exposed.

Measles cases have become rare in the United States since vaccinations began in the 1960s. The vaccinations have become standard with most toddlers before starting school. Still, an estimated 800,000 people a year die of the disease.

"It’s amazing how many are not immunized by childhood," said Dr. Leslie Elkind at the UCSC student health center. "We’re hoping this young lady is OK and this is only a drill for us."

The last confirmed measles case in Santa Cruz County was in 2001 in a 2-year-old boy, Nelson said. Six cases were reported in 1999 and four cases in 2000.

Possible exposure:
The potentially infected UCSC student attended the following classes on campus Monday and Tuesday.

Sociology 001 01, Introduction to Sociology.

Sociology 001 01A, Introduction to Sociology section.

Sociology 105A01, Classic Sociology Theory.

Sociology 105B01, Classic Sociology Theory.

Sociology 105A01B, Classic Sociology Theory.
The student took Metro buses to and from school Monday and Tuesday.

MONDAY

10:20 a.m., the 12A or 12B bus from Seabright and Murray to campus.

12:20 p.m., the bus from campus to the downtown Metro stop, then the 1:20 p.m. No. 67 bus to Seabright.
TUESDAY

7:20 a.m., the 12A or 12B bus from Seabright and Murray to campus.

Approximately 4 p.m., the bus from campus to the downtown Metro stop and walked home.
SYMPTOMS: Measles symptoms begin eight to 21 days after exposure. A cold, cough and fever typically begin two to four days before a red rash appears. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The person is contagious through four days after the rash appears.