How Can IP Personnel Protect Patients and Staff During Measles Outbreaks in an Era of Misinformation

Measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases encountered in health care settings. Despite the availability of a safe and highly effective vaccine, outbreaks continue to occur in the US and globally. Most recently, South Carolina has reported 185 cases, and other states, such as North Carolina, Kentucky, and Arizona, are reporting locations where measles exposure has occurred.

Declining vaccination coverage and widespread misinformation have increased the likelihood that infection prevention and control (IPC) personnel will be exposed to measles in clinical settings. During these events, IPC professionals are essential to protecting patients, health care workers, and the broader community through evidence-based practices and clear communication.

Pushback, however, is incessant. One post on Facebook read, “So [1] case of measles in all of 2025 in coconino county [sic]. Doesn’t seem like a lot, especially since it is now 2026.” Another read, “It’s the freakin [sic] measles. Calm down. Measles has a 99.9% survivability rate even before the vaccine.”

In the face of this rhetoric, what can IPC personnel do to keep themselves, staff, and patients safe from measles? First, knowledge.

Measles is transmitted primarily through airborne spread. The virus can remain viable in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves a room. According to the CDC, “Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.” This high level of transmissibility makes rapid identification and strict infection control measures critical.

"The most important thing for protection would just be being sure you are up to date on MMR [measles, mumps, rubella vaccine], and, if it has been a while (decades) since your last shot, it probably wouldn't hurt to get a titer if you're in a position where you have a high risk of exposure," Matt Pullen, MD, a member of ICT's Editorial Advisory Board said.

Key steps IPC personnel can take during a measles outbreak include the following:

1. Verify immunity among health care personnel.
Vaccination is the cornerstone of measles prevention. IPC teams should work with occupational health to confirm that all health care personnel have documented evidence of immunity. The CDC states, “All health care personnel should have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles.” Nonimmune staff should be excluded from exposure areas during outbreaks and vaccinated promptly when appropriate.

2. Strengthen screening and early recognition.
Facilities should reinforce front-line screening protocols that include fever, rash, recent travel, and known exposure history. Early identification allows for immediate isolation and reduces secondary transmission. IPC teams should ensure that triage staff are trained to recognize potential measles cases and escalate concerns without delay.

3. Implement airborne isolation immediately.
Patients with suspected or confirmed measles should be placed in an airborne infection isolation room as soon as possible. Only staff with documented immunity should enter the room. The CDC emphasizes that measles patients should be “placed in an AIIR immediately” to limit airborne spread.

4. Ensure appropriate use of respiratory protection.
Health care personnel entering a measles patient's room should wear a fit-tested N95 respirator or higher-level respiratory protection. Standard and airborne precautions should be maintained for at least 4 days after rash onset in immunocompetent patients and longer for immunocompromised individuals.

Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, AL-CIP, consultant/coach for Innovative Partners Institute, another member of ICT's Editorial Advisory Board, said, "The vaccine is the cornerstone of prevention, but IPC is the architect of the response. Even when the noise of disinformation is loud, our adherence to fit-tested N95s and strict isolation protocols remains our most reliable line of defense."

5. Confirm environmental and engineering controls.
IPC professionals should collaborate with facilities and engineering teams to verify that negative-pressure rooms are functioning properly and that air-exchange requirements are met. These controls are essential to reducing airborne transmission within health care facilities.

• 6. Address misinformation with clear, factual communication.
  Misinformation about measles and vaccines can undermine outbreak response. The World Health Organization has stated, “Even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available, in 2024, there were an estimated 95,000 measles deaths globally, mostly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under the age of 5 years.”

IPC personnel should provide staff with accurate, science-based information and trusted references to counter false claims and reinforce confidence in prevention measures.

7. Maintain ongoing education and preparedness.
Regular training on airborne precautions, vaccination requirements, and outbreak response protocols ensures readiness before cases occur. IPC teams should stay aligned with guidance from federal, state, and local public health authorities as recommendations evolve.

In an environment where misinformation spreads quickly, infection prevention and control professionals serve as trusted sources of scientific truth. By following established steps, reinforcing evidence-based practices, and communicating clearly, IPC personnel protect themselves, their colleagues, and the patients they serve during measles outbreaks.