Although the Measles virus is largely considered to be under control, recent developments have shown that Otterbein is not immune to the effects of an outbreak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Measles is a highly infectious virus with symptoms including a high fever and a rash on the body. The first vaccine for measles was made available in 1963 and the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Outbreaks of the disease still occurred after the declaration. Most recently, the debate over whether or not to vaccinate was renewed after a measles outbreak occurring at a basketball game at Millersville University. Nationwide there have been 141 confirmed measles cases between Jan. 1 and Feb. 13.
This sharp increase in cases may lead to an increased interest in Otterbein's policies on immunizations.
Lee Ann Bowers, director of health services, said in an email that "required" immunizations are listed on the History and Physical form for incoming students.
"There are some students/parents that submit letters that they have declined the routine immunizations and that does not keep them from being a student." Bowers said.
Otterbein complies with the Ohio Revised Code by requiring its students to disclose whether they have had a Meningitis and Hepatitis B vaccination. However, students do not have to disclose whether they have received the MMR vaccine and none of the immunizations are required.
Mumps, a disease similar in its rarity and its symptoms to Measles, infected 447 people in an outbreak that started on the Ohio State University campus in 2014.
OSU maintains a policy on vaccinations on its website that recommends that students get certain vaccinations.
“The policy has been in effect for many years - the health of all members of the Buckeye community is important to the university we believe that a well immunized population is the most effective deterrent to the spread of diseases." Gary Lewis, senior director of media relations at OSU, said via e-mail.
Students who wish to get a Hepatitis B, Meningitis or a flu shot can do so at the health center for a fee.
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