Measles

Measles Information – What you should know. 

Dickinson State University is committed to promoting a safe and healthy environment for all members of our campus community. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can have serious health impacts. DSU is providing the following information and guidance to help students and employees understand the university’s protocols and resources in the event of exposure or illness. 

For general information on Measles, including symptoms, transmission, and prevention, please visit the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services at https://www.hhs.nd.gov/immunizations/measles or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/measles/resources/index.html. 

Information for Students 

Vaccination Encouragement 

• Students are encouraged but not required to receive the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

• Free rides to the Southwest District Health Unit for vaccination can be arranged through the Student Health Office. 

• Students who are uninsured will be responsible for the cost of the vaccine; however, most insurance plans cover the cost of preventive vaccines. 

If You Test Positive for Measles 

Students residing in residence halls who test positive must quarantine for 21 days and have two options: 

• Return home if they live within 12 hours of campus. They will receive a housing and dining credit for the duration of their time away.  

• Move into designated quarantine housing on campus located in Selke Hall. Students choosing this option will incur a fee for their stay. 

If You Are Unvaccinated and Exposed 

• Students who are unvaccinated and have been exposed to measles are required to quarantine for 21 days. 

• These students will be given the same two housing options as those who test positive (return home or pay to stay in quarantine housing). 

Academic Accommodations 

Students who are isolating or quarantining will be offered options to continue their coursework: 

• DSULive™ 

• Online  

• Incompletes, coordinated with their instructors 

Please contact the Student Health Office at Carrie.Knudson@dickinsonstate.edu, your Housing Operations Coordinator at Payson.Dirk@dickinsonstate.edu, or Director of Campus Life at Mackenzie.B.Hicks@dickinsonstate.edu with any questions about housing arrangements or support during isolation or quarantine. 

Information for Employees 

Vaccination Encouragement 

• Employees are encouraged but not required to receive the MMR vaccine. 

• The DSU health insurance plan covers the cost of preventive vaccines. 

If You Test Positive or Are Unvaccinated and Exposed 

• Employees who test positive for measles or are unvaccinated and have been exposed must quarantine for 21 days. 

• In some cases, employees may be permitted to work remotely during the quarantine period, subject to their position responsibilities and supervisor approval. 

Workplace Accommodations 

• Supervisors are expected to make reasonable accommodations for employees who are impacted by measles illness or quarantine. 

• Employees should work closely with Human Resources and their supervisors to coordinate leave, remote work arrangements, or any necessary adjustments to their workload. 

For questions related to employee policies or benefits related to measles, please contact Human Resources at Krissy.kilwein@dickinsonstate.edu. 

Stay Informed & Preventive Measures 

• Measles is highly preventable through vaccination. 

• Wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, and monitor your health if you have been exposed. 

• Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a red rash that starts on the face and spreads. 

Your health and the health of our campus community are a top priority. Thank you for doing your part to keep DSU safe and informed.