Infection Prevention Strategies for Protecting Patients and Staff During Measles Outbreaks Amid Misinformation Challenges

In the face of a resurgent threat, South Carolina has reported 185 cases of measles as part of a growing outbreak spanning multiple states. Public health officials have also issued exposure warnings in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Arizona, raising concerns among health experts about the disease’s spread in regions with declining vaccination rates.

Measles, one of the most contagious infectious diseases known to medical science, has returned despite the availability of a safe and highly effective vaccine. The resurgence presents a significant challenge for infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals working to protect patients and healthcare workers.

“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 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,” said Dr. Matt Pullen, a member of ICT’s Editorial Advisory Board.

The highly transmissible nature of measles makes it particularly concerning in healthcare settings. 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.” The virus spreads primarily through airborne transmission and can remain viable in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

This comeback occurs amid growing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation campaigns. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds where scientific consensus faces skepticism. One Facebook post downplayed the threat, stating: “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 claimed: “It’s the freakin [sic] measles. Calm down. Measles has a 99.9% survivability rate even before the vaccine.”

Such misconceptions ignore the serious risks associated with the disease. The World Health Organization estimates that in 2024 alone, approximately 95,000 people died from measles globally, primarily unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under age five.

Healthcare facilities are implementing comprehensive protocols to address the threat. The CDC recommends that all healthcare personnel maintain documented immunity to measles, with non-immune staff excluded from exposure areas during outbreaks and vaccinated when appropriate.

“The vaccine is the cornerstone of prevention, but IPC is the architect of the response,” said Brenna Doran, PhD, a consultant for Innovative Partners Institute and member of ICT’s Editorial Advisory Board. “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.”

IPC professionals are strengthening screening and early recognition systems, with particular attention to symptoms like fever and rash, combined with travel history and known exposures. Patients with suspected or confirmed measles must be placed in airborne infection isolation rooms immediately, with only immune staff permitted entry.

Healthcare personnel entering these rooms must wear fit-tested N95 respirators or higher-level respiratory protection. Standard and airborne precautions should be maintained for at least four days after rash onset in immunocompetent patients and longer for those who are immunocompromised.

Facilities are also reviewing environmental and engineering controls, ensuring negative-pressure rooms function properly and meet air-exchange requirements. These technical measures help reduce airborne transmission within healthcare settings.

Perhaps most challenging is the battle against misinformation. Healthcare organizations are developing clear, factual communication strategies to counter false claims and reinforce confidence in vaccination and prevention measures. Regular training on airborne precautions, vaccination requirements, and outbreak response protocols ensures readiness before cases occur.

As measles continues to spread, infection prevention and control professionals serve as critical guardians of public health, providing evidence-based guidance and implementing protective measures. Their expertise will be increasingly important as the nation navigates this resurgent health threat amid a landscape of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.