University of Maine schedules clinic for measles vaccinations

ORONO — The University of Maine will hold a measles clinic from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Cutler Health Center for all students entering the university for the first time.

While there has been no reported cases of measles this year at the institution, health officials are aiming to prevent an outbreak of the highly contageous virus, such as happened at Colby College earlier this month.

Measles is a viral disease characterized by respiratory symptoms such as a cough, conjunctivitis and runny nose, a high fever and a three-to-five-day rash. The symptoms generally last 10 days. Most people who contract measles get sick and then recover. But statistics show that one out of 1,000 to 2,000 cases results in encephalitis, an inflamation of the brain which can lead to mental retardation, permanent brain damage or death. More frequently measles leads to pneumonia and ear infection. Statistics show that one of 1,000 to 3,000 people who contract measles will die.

In Third World countries, where there are complicating factors such as bad nutrition, measles is considered a major cause of death. It is considered a highly contageous disease in areas where people congregate, such as in schools.

The Center for Disease Control in December 1989 revised its recommendations on vaccinations. The center now recommends that anyone who had a measles vaccination prior to 1968 or prior to their first birthday have a vaccination against measles. Usually, children 15 months of age or older are vaccinated against measles. That dosage is generally 90 to 95 percent effective in preventing the disease, according to Martin Sabol, public health adviser for the immunization program, Department of Human Services.

In the past three years, Sabol said, CDC has recommended a second dose to bring immunization closer to 100 percent effectiveness. The second vaccination can be administered 30 days or more after the first one, he said. The DHS has targeted those entering school for the first time and students entering post-secondary school for the first time for vaccination.

Anyone who has any question about their record of immunization or whether they should have a second immunization should consult their physician.

The University of Maine clinic on Thursday is funded by the Department of Human Services through a grant from the CDC. The health center is offering incentives to students to attend and be vaccinated. There will be door prizes for free art prints, lunches and gift certificates.