Measles Quarantine: Frequently Asked Questions
If you were at one of the locations below during the dates and times listed, you may have been exposed to measles. If you have been contacted by the Kane County Health Department and instructed to quarantine, follow those instructions even if you feel well.
The following questions and answers explain what measles quarantine means, who may need to quarantine, how long quarantine lasts, and what you should and should not do while quarantining.
What does it mean to quarantine for measles?
Quarantine means staying home and avoiding contact with other people after you have been exposed to measles, even if you feel well. Quarantine helps prevent you from spreading measles to others if you become infected.
Who needs to quarantine after being exposed to measles?
People who have been identified as having a measles exposure and who do not have adequate evidence of immunity may need to quarantine.
Evidence of immunity may include:
- Documentation of the recommended number of measles-containing vaccine doses for your age and circumstances.
- A positive measles IgG blood test (titer), indicating laboratory evidence of immunity.
- Laboratory confirmation of a previous measles infection.
- Being born before 1957, in circumstances where this is accepted as evidence of presumptive immunity.
People who have adequate evidence of immunity generally do not need to quarantine. The Kane County Health Department will determine whether quarantine is required based on your vaccination history, laboratory results, the nature of your exposure, and other factors. People who have been identified as having been exposed to measles may be asked to self monitor for symptoms.
How long do I need to quarantine?
If quarantine is required, it generally lasts for up to 21 days after your last exposure to measles. This is because symptoms can develop up to 21 days after exposure.
If you have multiple exposures, your quarantine period may be extended. For example, if you are already in quarantine and are exposed to measles again through another case, your 21-day quarantine period may restart based on the most recent exposure. This means repeated exposures can result in a much longer period of quarantine.
This is one reason staying up to date on measles vaccination is so important. Vaccination helps protect you from measles and can help prevent the need for quarantine following an exposure.
The Kane County Health Department will provide you with specific instructions, including the date your quarantine ends. Do not end quarantine early unless the health department tells you that you may do so.
What can I NOT do while I am in measles quarantine?
If you are instructed to quarantine, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people for the entire quarantine period unless the Kane County Health Department tells you otherwise.
Do not:
- Go to work or school.
- Attend daycare, camps, sports, or other activities.
- Attend social gatherings, parties, religious services, or other public events.
- Go shopping or visit public places.
- Visit friends, family members, or other households.
- Use public transportation or travel.
- Have contact with people who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated against measles.
- Have contact with people at higher risk for severe measles illness, including infants, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Have visitors in your home, when possible.
If you live with other people, do your best to avoid close contact with household members, particularly those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated and those at higher risk for severe illness.
Do:
- Stay in a separate room from household members, if possible. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective, so there is a small chance that if you have measles, you can transmit it to a vaccinated household member.
- Use a separate bathroom if possible.
- Wear a face mask if you must be in a shared space with a household member.
- Call, text, or video chat with friends and family.
- Work or attend school remotely, if permitted.
- Read, watch movies, play games, exercise, or enjoy hobbies at home.
- Spend time outdoors on your own property, away from others.
- Have groceries, medications, and other necessities delivered.
- Maintain a regular routine and get plenty of rest.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms and follow KCHD instructions.
- Stay connected with KCHD and respond to calls or messages so they can provide updates and let you know when quarantine is complete.
Can I go outside while I am quarantining?
You should avoid situations where you could come into contact with other people. If you have access to a private yard or outdoor space where you can remain away from others, you may use it.
Do not use shared outdoor spaces, such as public parks, playgrounds, apartment common areas, or other places where you may come into contact with others.
Can I go to a doctor's appointment while I am quarantining?
Call your health care provider before going to a medical office, clinic, or emergency department. Tell them that you have been exposed to measles and are currently in quarantine.
Do not walk into a health care facility without calling ahead. The facility may need to make special arrangements to prevent exposing other patients and staff.
What if I develop symptoms while I am quarantining?
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- Rash
If you develop symptoms, stay home and immediately contact the Kane County Health Department and your health care provider by phone. Call before going to a medical office or emergency department so arrangements can be made to prevent exposing other people.
What if I feel completely healthy?
You still need to follow your quarantine instructions. A person exposed to measles may feel completely well for days or weeks before symptoms develop.
Do not end quarantine early because you feel well.
Can I get the MMR vaccine after being exposed?
Possibly. If you are not immune to measles, contact your health care provider or the Kane County Health Department as soon as possible.
MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure may help prevent measles or lessen the severity of illness. Some people who cannot receive MMR may be eligible for immune globulin within six days of exposure.
Do not go to a vaccination clinic or health care facility without first telling them that you are currently quarantining because of a measles exposure.
What if I have a negative measles titer?
If you have documentation of two appropriately administered doses of MMR, a negative or equivocal measles IgG titer does not necessarily mean that you are considered non-immune.
Do not assume that a negative titer means you need another vaccine dose or need to quarantine. The Kane County Health Department will determine whether quarantine is necessary based on your individual circumstances and evidence of immunity.
When can I leave quarantine?
You may leave quarantine when the Kane County Health Department tells you that your quarantine period is complete. Release dates are determined on a case-by-case basis based on your individual exposure and vaccination history. If you develop symptoms at any point during quarantine, stay home and contact the Kane County Health Department and your health care provider immediately.
If you know someone who has been released from quarantine, that does not necessarily mean you are ready to be released. Continue following the quarantine instructions provided to you until you receive confirmation from the Kane County Health Department.
