An undergraduate student at Princeton University is suspected of having measles, it was reported Tuesday. Preliminary reports were received yesterday, and additional tests are being conducted, according to the Princeton Health Department. The student has recovered and is no longer contagious. Results are expected in the next few days.

According to Princeton Health Officer Jeffrey Grosser, the town’s health department is working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health and the University to locate people potentially exposed between Wednesday, February 4 and Sunday, February 8. No locations off campus have been identified as being visited by the student currently suspected to have measles.

On campus, locations include: 1938 Hall, Baker Hall, Blair Hall, Frick Chemistry building, Friend Center, Holder Hall, McCosh Health Center, Spelman Hall, Wallace Hall, Whitman College dining hall, and evening and weekend hours in Frist Campus Center, Dillon Gymnasium and New South. Anyone who was in those spaces between February 4-8 should check their vaccination records and contact their family physician if they have any concerns.

Measles is caused by a virus and is very easily spread from person to person. Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. When an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, the virus is released into the air and enters another person’s body through the nose, mouth or throat. People can also become sick if they come in contact with the mucus or saliva from an infected person. The measles virus can live on contaminated surfaces and in the air for up to two hours.  Measles may be transmitted from four days before through four days after the onset of a rash.

More than 99.5 percent of all Princeton University students have been vaccinated and the measles vaccine is very effective, but in rare cases even individuals whose vaccines are up-to-date might still get measles.  Undergraduate and graduate students who have symptoms consistent with measles should isolate themselves and call McCosh Health Center at (609) 258-3141 during business hours or (609) 258-3139 after hours.