News

Measles Watch Information: Staying Informed, Staying Healthy

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November 12, 2026

With measles cases increasing across the nation, local health officials are taking proactive steps to protect our communities.

The good news: As of November 12, there are no identified cases among Vincennes University students, faculty or staff. Additionally, there are zero confirmed measles cases in Knox County.

While the immediate local situation is reassuring, preparedness matters. Measles is highly contagious, and knowing how to protect yourself and your family can help prevent its spread.

The best protection for measles is the MMR vaccine. The vast majority of individuals born after 1957 are most likely vaccinated. Some individuals may have immunity due to having had the measles.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and those around you:

  • Check that you and your family are up to date on recommended MMR vaccinations.
  • Be aware of symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.
  • If you suspect measles, call your healthcare provider before visiting in person.

If you have been in contact or have symptoms:

Exposure

  • If you feel you have been exposed to measles, call the University Primary Care Center (UPCC) at 812-888-7777, do not show up in person to UPCC, Convenient Care or the Emergency Room without calling ahead. The UPCC will do a phone triage and advise proper next steps.

Isolation/Quarantine

If you have been exposed to measles and have NOT BEEN VACCINATED OR DO NOT HAVE THE FOLLOWING PROOF OF IMMUNITY (PREVIOUS DOCUMENTED ILLNESS, BLOOD WORK SHOWING IMMUNITY), we will advise the following steps.

  • Institute immediate 21 days of isolation from confirmed exposure. Employees would need to be off work. Students should be advised to go home, if that's not possible they would need to be quarantined in a private room. We will refer them to Housing and Residential Life.
  • Measles is an airborne virus. Exposure happens in any shared space. Does not need to be direct contact.
  • Incubation period is 14-21 days.
  • An infected person is contagious from 4 days before symptoms start until at least 4 days after rash develops. We would recommend exclusion from school/work until no new rash is developing, rash is scabbed over, fever is absent (minimum of 4 days).
  • First symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes. A few days later rash develops, generally starting at the hairline and spreading downward.

Our community’s health is a shared priority. By staying informed and taking simple preventive steps, we can help keep our communities healthy.

For the latest information, visit the UPCC webpage at vinu.edu/upcc or the Indiana Department of Health webpage at in.gov/health/idepd/diseases-and-conditions-resource-page/measles/.

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