Immunization and surveillance programs have continuously lowered the risk of widespread measles outbreaks in the US. However, measles cases continue to occur due to unvaccinated travelers who get measles while visiting other countries, and in the under-vaccinated populations in the United States. The best way to stay ahead and prevent measles is to get vaccinated.
CDC has put together a toolkit called Be Ready for Measles, full of educational graphics, videos and fact sheets for health departments around the Nation. Here at GHC-SCW, we understand how important it is to be prepared for outbreaks and to keep our community healthy, so we’ve put together helpful information from the toolkit below.
What is Measles?
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes. After someone sick with measles leaves an area, the virus can remain airborne for two hours. About 9 out of 10 people who don’t have measles vaccines and come in contact with someone who is sick will also become infected. This disease is especially dangerous for babies and young children.
Do you think your child has Measles?
What to do if you think your child has Measles:
Measles symptoms typically show up 7-14 days after coming in contact with the virus. The most common symptoms include:
- High fever, spiking to over 104
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and/or watery eyes
- A rash on the face that breaks out 3-5 days after other symptoms begin
If you think someone in your family has measles, make sure you:
- Keep them away from others who aren’t sick. Have the person who is sick stay in one room/section of the house.
- Everyone who lives in the house should stay home to prevent the spread to those in the community.
- Call a doctor or hospital right away and let them know someone in the home possibly has the measles. Please do not take them in right away; the doctor will give information/instructions on what to do next.
Remember, do not come into the clinics if you are sick. Stay home unless the sickness rapidly gets worse, or the following symptoms occur:
- Trouble breathing or breathing gets faster than normal
- Pain when breathing or coughing
- Dehydration, including a dry nose and mouth, using the bathroom less frequently and crying without tears coming out
- Fever or headache that won’t go away
- Confusion or severe weakness
- Low energy, difficulty feeding/eating or a blue color is seen around the mouth
If these symptoms occur, do not wait; take your child to the emergency room.
How do you protect your family against measles?
It is never too late to get vaccinated! The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to stay protected against the measles. Not only does it protect you and your family, but it also keeps the people around you and your community healthy.
Talk with your provider if you or your child has not been vaccinated.
Learn more – CDC Measles Information, Tip Sheets and videos:
About Measles | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
Preventing Measles Before and After Travel
Measles: It Isn’t Just a Little Rash
We will implement holiday hours at our clinics and Administrative Building in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025. Check out the upcoming holiday hours in the chart below:
Facility |
Monday, September 1 | Holiday Hours |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Clinic at Capitol Clinic | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Capitol Clinic Pharmacy | Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Lab and Imaging | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
All other GHC-SCW Clinics & Administrative Offices:
|
Closed |
Why Are Girls 3x More Likely to Be Vaccinated Than Boys? Did you know HPV causes nearly 36,000 cases of cancer in the U.S. each year, and most of them could be prevented by a vaccine?
In 2006, the HPV vaccine was originally marketed to girls to prevent cervical cancer, but HPV causes cancer in all genders. Here at GHC-SCW, we want to spread awareness that the HPV vaccine isn’t just for girls. Boys need it too.
It’s safe. It’s effective. It could save a life.
What is HPV?
In the early 1980s, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) was found in cervical cancer cells, which sparked research and the eventual development of a vaccine. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact. There are about 40 different strains, or types, of HPV, and roughly 80% of sexually active people will come into contact with the virus at some point.
Most people with healthy immune systems can fight off the infection, but in some cases, it can become cancerous.
Vaccine History
The first HPV vaccine was patented in 1994, targeting four types of the virus. In 2006, the vaccine was approved by the FDA for girls ages 9 through 26. Today, we know that boys can also be affected by HPV, and they should be proactive in getting vaccinated too.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the HPV vaccine available today protects against 90% of the strains that cause cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts, as well as most strains that cause mouth and throat cancers.
Why Should Boys Get the HPV Vaccine Too?
While about 22,000 women are diagnosed with cancer caused by HPV each year, approximately 16,000 men are diagnosed with HPV-related cancers as well. The vaccine offers powerful protection before exposure and helps prevent cancers that can develop years later.
Protecting boys helps protect everyone.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: HPV only affects girls, and girls only get cervical cancer, so boys don’t need the vaccine.
Fact: HPV affects everyone. While boys don’t get cervical cancer, HPV can still cause multiple cancers in males. Vaccinating them helps protect their health and reduces transmission to future partners.
Myth: The HPV vaccine is only for those who are sexually active.
Fact: The vaccine works best when given before any potential exposure to the virus. GHC-SCW recommends boys and girls as young as 9 receive the vaccine, well before most are sexually active. GHC-SCW encourages families and providers to have conversations early to make a plan.
Myth: The HPV Vaccine isn’t safe.
Fact: The HPV vaccine has been studied for over 15 years by the CDC, FDA and other organizations, and has a strong safety record. Like any vaccine, it may cause mild side effects like arm soreness, low-grade fever or feeling tired, but serious side effects are extremely rare.
Talk to your child’s Provider about getting them protected.
Learn more:
History of HPV Vaccine – National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)