Measles Alert The Hawaii State Department of Health issued a notice in August 2003 alerting the community of increased cases of measles in Hawaii. So far this year there have been 9 cases of locally-acquired measles, compared to zero cases for the same time period in 2002. Measles has the potential to spread rapidly within the community. The symptoms include fever, cough, running nose, red eyes, and a rash. Complications that may follow are ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Encephalitis may results in permanent brain damage. Death occurs in 1-3 of every 1000 cases of measles. The rate is higher in children under 5. Measles is transmitted by direct contact with respiratory droplets. Patients are contagious from 1-2 days before onset of symptoms to 4 days after the appearance of the rash. The incubation period is from 1-3 weeks. All entering University of Hawaii students are required to have had two shots of measles or MMR immunization, or show adequate protective antibody levels. If you have not had the immunizations, please come to the University Health Services and receive them in order to protect yourself and the community from this potentially serious disease. Back Last Updated: 03.01.2008