Madonna University’s Public Health Policy

College and university environments encompass classrooms, residence halls, and event venues that host a myriad of classes, activities, and events, facilitating interactions among students, staff, and community members.  These interactions also present opportunities for the spread of illnesses.

All students, faculty, and staff should review and follow the official Madonna University Public Health Policy. The policy outlines reporting requirements, communicable disease protocols, and institutional response procedures.

Madonna University remains committed to staying current with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) pertaining to these settings.  As new guidance becomes available or public health conditions evolve, we will promptly update our procedures and policies.  These updates will be accessible on the University’s official website and within the Student and Employee Resources sections of MYPortal as needed.

Measles Information

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread rapidly in college settings due to shared classrooms, residence halls, and social spaces. Prompt recognition, reporting, and vaccination are essential to protecting our campus community.

Maintaining high vaccination rates and promptly reporting suspected cases protects vulnerable members of our campus community and helps prevent operational disruption.

For Students

• Contagious Period: Individuals are contagious from 4 days before rash onset to 4 days after. The virus can remain airborne for up to 2 hours. Approximately 90% of susceptible individuals exposed will become infected.
• Symptoms (7–14 days after exposure): Fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, fatigue, followed by a rash beginning on the face and spreading downward. Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth.

• Complications: Pneumonia, ear infections, encephalitis, and hospitalization—especially in unvaccinated individuals.

• If You Develop Symptoms or Are Exposed: Stay home immediately. Contact the Campus Health Advisor campushealthadvisor@madonna.edu before presenting in person. Avoid classes, residence halls, and social events. Follow isolation or quarantine guidance.
• Vaccination: One MMR dose is approximately 93% effective. Two doses are approximately 97% effective. Verify your immunization status and update as needed.

For Faculty and Staff

• Contagious Period: 4 days before to 4 days after rash onset. Airborne particles may persist for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves a space.

• Symptoms: Fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, progressing to a descending rash. Be aware of complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

• If Measles Is Suspected: Immediately isolate and refer to the Campus Health Advisor campushealthadvisor@madonna.edu. Avoid shared waiting areas without guidance.
• Operational Mitigation: Coordinate remote accommodations during isolation. Promote ventilation and illness-based absence policies during outbreaks.

• Immunity Verification: Two documented MMR doses or laboratory-confirmed immunity are recommended for educational settings.

Communicable Disease Protocol

Communicable diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from one person to another or from contaminated surfaces or food to a person.  Examples of these diseases include influenza, norovirus (commonly known as the stomach flu), and COVID-19.

Prevention

In cases where a vaccine is available, getting vaccinated when eligible is one of the most effective methods to reduce the likelihood of illness.  Additionally, there are proactive measures that can further minimize the risk of infection, including:

• Personal Responsibilities: If you are feeling sick, it is important to stay home.  Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow and regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• A Germ-Free Environment:  Everyone can contribute to keeping shared spaces clean by regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects such as doorknobs, countertops, and handles.

Reporting

Individuals in the following roles:

• Faculty
• Supervisors
• Coaches
• Advisors of Student Organizations
• Resident Assistants

Who witness three or more individuals within a specific class, workgroup, student organization, or athletic program displaying symptoms consistent with influenza, norovirus, or COVID-19 over a seven-to-ten-day timeframe are encouraged to report this occurrence using the Communicable Disease Reporting Form available on MYPortal.  Please ensure that you are logged in to MYPortal to access the reporting link.

Suspected Communicable Disease Response

If you suspect you have a communicable disease:

• Isolate – If you are feeling sick, please stay home.  If you are a residential student, remain in your room until your symptoms resolve
• Seek Medical Attention – Keep a close eye on your health and seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Monitor – Students in isolation should be closely monitored to ensure their safety.
• Clean – It’s important to regularly clean high-touch surfaces with an antimicrobial solution.

 

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