Measles Checklist for Healthcare Facilities

Measles Checklist for Healthcare Facilities

Vaccination is best protection.

• HCP born before 1957 are considered to have acceptable immunity. However, it should be considered to administer 2 doses of the vaccine unless they have laboratory evidence of disease or immunity.

Screen patients upon arrival for any indication of Measles.

• Stay alert for patients with fever and other early signs and symptoms of measles.
• First Symptoms: Fever with cough, runny nose, and/or red, watery eyes
• 3-5 Days after symptoms start: flat, red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.

Assume a patient has measles if they have symptoms and at least one of the following:

• Spent time in an area in the U.S. with a known measles outbreak.
• Recent contact with someone with measles.
• Traveled internationally in the last 21 days.
• No vaccine for measles or does not know their vaccination status.

Isolate patients in an Airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), if available.

• If AIIR is not available, transfer to a facility with an AIIR as soon as possible OR place them in a room with a door that remains closed.

Patients aged 2 years and older should wear a mask, provide one if needed, place them in an AIIR.

• Patients should wear a mask in the facility but may remove it once in the AIIR, if they stay in the room.

Wear fit-tested N95 or higher-level respirator

• Healthcare Workers, including vaccinated workers, must wear a fit-tested N95 or higher-level respirator when entering the isolation room.

Always Utilize Standard and Airborne Precautions.

Seek emergency care for any patient experiencing signs of severe disease.

• If transporting patients, alert the facility in advance of your concerns for measles so they can be prepared.

Inform your facility’s Infection Preventionist or health department as soon as possible.

• They should have further guidance for isolation, testing, care, and transport, if needed, for the patient.

Disinfect all surfaces

• Once the patient leaves the room disinfect all surfaces utilizing an EPA registered hospital level disinfectant. Ensure the contact time of disinfectant is satisfied.

Vacate rooms that are not AIIR for 2 hours

• Rooms that are not AIIR should remain vacated for two hours once a patient leaves the room, with the door closed.

Dental Specific Checklist:

Screen Patients BEFORE arrival for any indication of Measles

• Stay alert for patients with fever and other early signs and symptoms of measles.
• First Symptoms: Fever with cough, runny nose and/or red, watery eyes
• 3-5 days after symptoms start: flat, red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet

Reschedule Patients

• It is advised by ADA to reschedule patients with suspected or confirmed measles.

Refer undiagnosed, suspected measles patients to their primary care physicians

• Accurately diagnosed & Treated
• PCP will report to the health department