SAFE | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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TTUHSC SAFE

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CURRENT SITUATION

  • Practical Advisory for Health Care Workers: Managing the Rise in Measles Cases
    Over the past week, there has been a noticeable increase in suspected and confirmed cases of measles. As health care professionals, staying vigilant and proactive is crucial to controlling the spread of this highly contagious disease. Here's what you need to know and do to protect yourself, your patients and the broader community.

    If you feel you have been exposed or are experiencing any signs/symptoms of Measles,DO NOT COME TO WORK.Call Infection Control, 806.743.1379. Please see below for more information on recognizing measles symptoms.
  • COVID-19 Recommendations: On March 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendations for the management of COVID-19 infection in non-health care workers. Accordingly, there are no further COVID-19 face mask or vaccination requirements for TTUHSC’s facilities. However, non-TTUHSC clinical facilities may still have related protocols in place. Please work with your program director and/or supervisor in the event you work or learn at a non-TTUHSC facility that may implement COVID-19 vaccination or related mitigation requirements to understand processes you may need to follow at those sites.
  • Please continue to reference TTUHSC SAFE page for current safety protocols, balancing increased campus operations with appropriate safety measures.
  • As a scientific community, we respect the data supporting that being fully vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We highly encourage everyone eligible to stay up to date on vaccinations. To find COVID-19 vaccine locations, search vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829 or call 800-232-0233.

 

The priority of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is to provide and maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all official university operations, clinical settings, academic instruction and managed care units.

 

student self screening

Measles Information For Health Care Workers

If you feel you have been exposed or are experiencing any signs/symptoms of Measles, DO NOT COME TO WORK. Call Infection Control, 806.743.1379. Below are the key symptoms of Measles.

Recognizing Measles: Key Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Early symptoms (2-4 days): cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (the “3 Cs”).
  • Fever ≥ 101 °F
  • Koplik spots: Small, white spots inside mouth on the cheeks, appearing 1-2 days before the rash
  • Rash progression: Starts on the face and spreads downward, typically lasting about a week

Exposure Response & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

  • Health care worker exposure: If unvaccinated or unsure of immunity, report immediately by calling Infection Control at 806.743.1379
  • PEP options may include:
    • MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can prevent disease
    • Immune globulin (IG) within six days for high-risk individuals (pregnant, immunocompromised or infants under 12 months)
  • Work restrictions: Exposed, non-immune health care workers should be excluded from duty from day 5 through day 21 post-exposure

Vaccination and Immunity Guidelines

  • Ensure immunity: Health care workers should have two documented doses of the MMR vaccine or laboratory-confirmed immunity
  • Booster considerations: If at high-risk (frequent patient interactions), a booster dose may be recommended
  • Encourage vaccination: Promote MMR vaccination for patients and staff to limit further spread

Final Takeaway: Stay Prepared and Proactive
Measles outbreaks can escalate quickly, but with proper precautions, early detection and timely intervention, we can minimize the impact. Review your vaccination records, reinforce infection control protocols and stay informed on local case updates. For more detailed guidance, refer to the CDC or your local health department’s recommendations. More information can be found by visiting the CDC's website. Stay safe and thank you for your dedication to patient care!

COVID-19 Information For Health Care Workers

To help limit the virus' spread on campus, if you do not feel well, stay off campus until your symptoms resolve. To prevent virus spread on campus, stay home if you're unwell and return only when symptoms resolve. Adhere to the following precautions:

Testing positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccinations status:

  • All students and team members who test positive for COVID-19 should stay off campus for five (5) days starting the count on the day symptoms start or the day they test positive. 
  • On day 5, if they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and their symptoms are improving, they may return to campus but should wear a mask for the next five days.

Close contact* exposure to someone infected with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination** status:

  • Individuals may continue to be on campus; however, they should wear a facial covering for ten (10) days from exposure to the COVID-19 infected individual.
  • If an individual begins to develop symptoms following exposure, they should immediately stay off campus and test for COVID-19.

* Close contact is determined by proximity and duration of exposure. If you were within approximately 6 feet of an individual known to be infected with COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from two (2) days before the individual tested positive - such as while caring for, living with, visiting with or sharing an office with them - without using recommended precautions such as facial coverings. People who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 after they completed at least five (5) days of isolation are not considered close contacts.

** Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible. Please see the CDC's guidance for more information.

COVID-19 Information For Non-Health Care Workers

Precautions for preventing and limiting spread of COVID-19:

  • Individuals experiencing symptoms should stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-lowering medications like Tylenol or Motrin.