Measles? Isn’t that something from the history books?

For many young adults, the illness might feel like a distant echo of the past — something their grandparents might have worried about, but not them. 

But as new measles outbreaks have spread across the country — with the first confirmed case in Illinois on Wednesday, April 23 — the disease that was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 is making a concerning comeback. Recent outbreaks also have hit various states, including Indiana, Michigan and Texas.

“Measles feels like something that is mentioned briefly, but not something you ever really have to personally experience,” said Kevin Martinez, an economics student at DePaul. “I’ve heard about it, but never actually had to think about it.” 

Recent cases have already had deadly consequences, including the deaths of two young children in Texas. And while outbreaks of measles have occurred occasionally over the years, the numbers of cases are steadily escalating. 

There have been 800 confirmed cases of measles in the United States in the first four months of 2025, compared with 285 total cases in 2024, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That has warranted concern from health officials, with the large majority of these cases happening among people who are younger than age 20.

Phillip Funk, an associate professor of immunology and biology at DePaul, who teaches a course on infectious diseases, is concerned about the lack of measles education nationwide.

“People have lost sight of how serious this disease could be,” he said. “One to three out of every thousand measles cases end up with brain damage.”

Given DePaul’s young student population, the option to opt out of vaccinations for specific reasons, and the diversity of the DePaul student body that is constantly interacting with the wider city — and even the world, the school faces some very real vulnerabilities.

Funk sees the risk towards the greater community.

 “It’s not going to specifically hit DePaul — it’s going to hit the city of Chicago,” he said. “We wouldn’t be alone in any of this.”

As cases hit Illinois, Cheryl Hover, DePaul’s associate director for emergency management, and Tyler Wurst, director of the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness, said in a statement to The DePaulia that “DePaul is committed to the health and safety of our community. We follow guidance from the Chicago Department of Public Health and manage measles in the same way as other communicable illnesses.”

Though measles is often associated with rashes and fevers — with many cases developing in young children — that doesn’t mean that college students are in the clear.

“It’s easily spread and through a longer distance than a lot of other kinds of viruses. You’re contagious before you even know you have the disease,” Funk said. “That’s a real challenge.”

Is there a way to stay safe in the midst of all this? Health experts say the key is vaccines.

“They are crucial in large populations to limit the transmission of disease and also limit the chance of mutation when everyone is vaccinated,” said Nick Poidomani, a health sciences major who has studied these issues at DePaul.

Health officials at the highest levels have noted that the measles vaccine has been one of the most effective public health tools in history. It has prevented more than 60 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2023, according to the CDC. Data shows that 96% of the current measles cases also have happened to people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. 

DePaul requires students to have measles vaccinations, so most students are already protected from the disease. However, students may be granted an exemption from getting the vaccine for medical reasons, religious beliefs or if a student is only participating in distance learning. 

“For individuals who have gotten that exemption from the vaccine, I think they should be very concerned,” Funk said. 

While vaccination is the best way to prevent measles, unvaccinated individuals can reduce their risk of contracting and spreading the disease by avoiding high-risk environments, practicing good hygiene and wearing a mask in public spaces.

Martinez, the economics student, worries about those who are unvaccinated.

“I definitely am concerned for their safety,” he said. “I know some people that aren’t vaccinated for whatever reasons they have, but I am going to bring this up to them and let them know to stay safe.” 

If you’re looking for more information or support, DePaul students can reach out to the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness, check local public health websites or speak with a health care provider. Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay protected.

“It really is that issue of education,” Funk said. “I think people need to understand that this is just a virus really and reemphasizing the safety of the MMR vaccine and really all the vaccines in general is essential.”

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