Measles is an illness that was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but recently there have been documented cases in the U.S. Currently, there is an outbreak in the states of Texas and New Mexico. There are also reported cases in New York, Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
As of March 6th, 2025, the CDC reports there are 222 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. On the contrary, as of March 11, 2025, Texas is reporting 223 cases. Most of the Texas cases are of school age children. It is reported that 95% of the cases are among those who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. Sadly, one child has died in Texas and one adult in New Mexico. Neither were vaccinated. The death of the adult in New Mexico is still being investigated for the official cause of death, but the individual did test positive for measles. More cases are expected to occur with this rapidly expanding outbreak.
The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory to alert clinicians, public health officials, and potential travelers about the outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. They are offering guidance and monitoring.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious and serious illness. Measles can be dangerous for babies and young children. Symptoms of the illness begin 7-14 days after being exposed. Symptoms of measles include:
Some complications from measles include:
These complications are most common in children under 5 and adults.
How does measles spread?
Measles is airborne and can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 10 people around them will become infected if they are not protected. You can get the illness for up to two hours after someone with measles leaves the room. An infected person can spread measles to others before knowing they have the disease, up to 4 days before developing the rash and 4 days afterward.
Prevention
Vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of measles. The vaccine for measles also protects against the mumps and rubella. It is known as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is 93% effective. The first dose should be given at 12-15 months and second dose between 4-6 years of age.
Healthcare personnel (HCP) should have immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. HCP born in 1957 or later without serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination should be given two doses of the MMR vaccine at 4 weeks apart.
Being born before 1957 is considered acceptable evidence of measles immunity; however, it should be considered to administer two doses of the vaccine unless they have laboratory evidence of disease or immunity to measles and/or mumps.
Patients with measles
Patients that are known or suspected of having measles should wear a facemask when they enter a healthcare facility. They should be told before entering a facility any instructions such as which entrance to use and how to notify the staff when they have arrived. Patients with suspected or confirmed measles should be placed in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR). Once a patient is in the AIIR, their facemask can be removed if they stay in the room. If an AIIR is not available, transfer to a facility with an AIIR should be made as soon as possible.
Attending to a patient with measles
Healthcare personnel should follow standard and airborne precautions. If possible, only healthcare personnel with evidence of immunity to measles should attend to the patient and they must use N-95 masks. Immediately report the suspected case to the local health department.
Once the patient has been dismissed, disinfection procedures using an EPA registered hospital level disinfectant should be used. Manufacturers’ instructions for use should be followed, including the contact time of the disinfectant. Used, disposable personal protective equipment for measles patients should be managed as regulated waste or as directed by state and local guidelines.
Training should be provided to all HCP on standard, airborne precautions, and prevention of the spread of measles and other airborne illnesses. HCP should be educated, trained, and demonstrate competency in the proper use of PPE in caring for patients with suspected or confirmed measles. Ensuring training takes place will provide a safer workplace for employees and in turn provide a safe patient environment.
For more information on standard and airborne precautions:
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html
For more information on the prevention of measles in healthcare facilities:
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/measles/index.html
Total Medical Compliance
6124 Creft Circle
Indian Trail, NC 28079
Phone: (888) 862-6742
Fax: (866) 875-3809
©2023 Total Medical Compliance
Total Medical Compliance
6124 Creft Circle
Indian Trail, NC 28079
(888) 862-6742
Fax (866) 875-3809
©2022 Total Medical Compliance
