According to a CDC report, global measles vaccination coverage declined by nearly three percentage points over the past five years, exposing millions of people to preventable outbreaks. As new cases continue to rise, the subject of measles outbreak and measles precautions is more important than ever, especially for communities with lower-than-recommended vaccination rates. This blog post covers the current rise in measles cases, explains why the disease is so contagious, and shares practical ways to keep yourself and those around you protected.

In this post, we’ll look at:

• The current status of the measles outbreak in 2025 and recent years
• How measles spreads, and why it can be dangerous
• Who is most vulnerable
• Key measles precautions to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe
• Disinfection methods, including a solution from AeroClave
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about measles outbreak and about AeroClave
  

1. Understanding the Current Measles Outbreak

Over the last few years, measles has made a surprising comeback in the United States. Data through March 20, 2025, reveal 378 confirmed measles cases across 18 different jurisdictions, ranging from Alaska and California to New York and Texas. These numbers are higher than what most people might expect for a disease we once believed was under control. Three large outbreaks have been identified in 2025, and it turns out that 90% of confirmed cases for the year are part of these clusters of infection.

For perspective, consider the contrast with 2024:

• Total cases in 2024: 285
• Outbreaks: 16, with 69% of cases tied to these outbreaks

By comparison, in 2023, only four outbreaks were reported nationwide. This rise in outbreaks shows that measles is starting to spread more rapidly in pockets where vaccination rates are low.

A Snapshot of the 2025 Statistics 

• Confirmed measles cases (as of March 20, 2025): 378 
• Most common age group: School-age children (ages 5–19), followed by children under 5 
• Hospitalization rate: About 17% of infected individuals require hospital care
• Deaths: 1 confirmed, with 1 additional death under investigation

The vast majority of people infected about 95% are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. Only around 2% of cases involve individuals who have received both recommended doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Why Is Measles Coming Back? 

Despite longstanding vaccination campaigns, measles outbreaks are on the rise. Two main factors seem to be driving this resurgence:

1. Falling vaccination rates: In many communities, the number of fully vaccinated children has dipped below the recommended 95% coverage rate necessary for herd immunity. Without this high coverage, pockets of non-immunized or under-immunized individuals allow measles to spread quickly.
2. Increased global exposure: International travel can bring the measles virus back to the US. If visitors or returning travelers are unvaccinated and become infected abroad, they can start an outbreak in communities with poor vaccination coverage.

2. What Makes Measles So Contagious and Dangerous?

Highly Infectious Virus 

Measles spreads through the air by droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. These droplets can linger for up to two hours in a space long after the sick individual has left. This makes measles more contagious than common illnesses like influenza or even COVID-19. If you come into a room that had an infected person in it within the past couple of hours and you’re not immune, there’s a strong chance you could catch the virus. 

Possible Complications

While many think of measles as simply a rash and fever, it can be far more serious. Complications include:

• Pneumonia: Particularly common in young children and adults
• Encephalitis (brain inflammation): Can cause seizures, hearing loss, or permanent brain damage
• Hospitalization: With any significant outbreak, a notable percentage of cases end up in the hospital
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE): A rare but lethal disease that can appear years after an initial measles infection

In the recent 2025 measles outbreak, 17% of confirmed cases led to hospital stays. Children under 5 years old face a higher risk of severe complications. Adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are also more prone to serious illness.

Immune System Suppression

Researchers have also found that measles infection can suppress the immune system long after the rash fades. In some cases, this suppression can last for years, making it easier to catch other infections. This is all the more reason to take measles precautions seriously.

3. Who Is Most at Risk? 

Unvaccinated Individuals

If you have not received any measles vaccinations, you are at a high risk of getting sick if you come into contact with the virus. About 95% of US cases reported in 2025 involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status can’t be verified. 

Partially Vaccinated Individuals 

Receiving only one dose of the MMR vaccine provides about 93% protection against measles, while two doses provide around 97% protection. This means those who received just one dose could be partially protected, but still at risk. 

Infants and Young Children

Babies don’t receive their first MMR vaccine until around age one, and very young children aren’t fully immunized until their second MMR dose between ages 4 and 6. This makes children under 5 one of the most vulnerable groups. 

High-Exposure Settings

• Healthcare workers: They frequently encounter patients, including those with unknown infections. 
• Childcare and educational staff: Infected children can easily spread measles to classmates and teachers.
• Travelers: International travelers visiting countries with higher measles incidence have an increased risk of bringing the virus back.

4. Essential Measles Outbreak and Measles Precautions

Below are key steps recommended by health experts to stay safe:

Vaccination

• Get the MMR vaccine: If you’re unsure about your vaccination history or your child’s status, check with a healthcare provider. Adults born after 1957 who have never been vaccinated or who received an older, less effective vaccine formula may need a booster or updated shots. 
• Travel advice: If you’re heading abroad, make sure you’re fully vaccinated. Measles is still common in some parts of the world, and it’s easy to catch it in airports, hotels, or crowded events. 

Isolation 

• If you have measles: Stay home and avoid contact with others for at least four days after the rash appears. 
• Exposure concerns: If you suspect you’ve been exposed, watch for any signs of fever or rash over the next three weeks. Call your doctor in advance if you’re seeking care, so they can prepare isolation measures. 

Mask Use 

• Wearing masks: Face masks can help prevent the spread of the virus, especially in closed environments where measles droplets may hang in the air. 
• Family or coworkers: If someone in your household or workplace is sick, wearing a well-fitted mask can reduce the chance of inhaling infected droplets. 

Hand Hygiene

• Frequent washing: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 to 20 seconds. This can physically remove particles of the virus you may have picked up on your hands. 
• Hand sanitizers: Alcohol-based sanitizers can be a quick alternative, but washing is best if your hands are visibly dirty 

5. Disinfection Measures for a Measles Outbreak

Since measles is airborne, it can remain in a room for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves. Proper cleaning and disinfection are crucial, especially in healthcare facilities, schools, and offices.

• Identify common touchpoints: Surfaces like doorknobs, faucet handles, phones, desks, and counters can easily harbor viruses.
• Use EPA-registered disinfectants: Products effective against viral pathogens (such as those suitable for other airborne diseases) usually work against measles. Check the label to ensure it’s approved for broader viral coverage. VitalOxide as an example is EPA-approved as a disinfectant and is listed for use against the measles virus, ensuring effective surface sanitation in environments where viral control is critical.
• Ventilate rooms: Good airflow can help clear out airborne particles more quickly.
• Frequent cleaning schedule: Increase the frequency of cleaning during measles outbreaks, especially if you know you’re in a high-traffic area.

How AeroClave Helps

When it comes to advanced, automated disinfection solutions, AeroClave provides specialized systems that deliver consistent coverage to limit the spread of measles and other infectious agents. This, paired with VitalOxide, an EPA-registered disinfectant approved for use against the measles virus, offers a powerful and proven approach to infection prevention and control.

6. Taking Action: Putting Measles Precautions into Practice

Let’s summarize the best practices for addressing the current measles outbreak and measles precautions in your daily life:

• Check Your Vaccine Records
  • Make sure you and your family members have completed both MMR doses if recommended. Consult your doctor if you’re uncertain about your vaccination status.
    

• Stay Alert for Symptoms
  • Early signs of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and possibly small white spots inside the mouth. If you experience these, especially if you develop a rash, limit your contact with others and call a healthcare provider.
    

• Practice Isolation When Necessary
  • If someone in your household has been diagnosed with measles or is suspected to have measles, they should avoid public spaces until they’re no longer contagious (four days after the rash resolves).
    

• Focus on Hygiene and Disinfection
  • Regularly clean high-touch surfaces. Use EPA-registered products that target virus particles.
    Improve ventilation in your home or workplace.
    

• Consider Workplace Precautions
  • Employers should educate staff about measles symptoms and prevention strategies.
  • Offer vaccines when possible, or at least direct employees to local vaccination resources.
  • Implement an infection control plan if your workplace sees high traffic and you suspect potential measles exposure.
    

• Utilize Technology When Possible
  • Automated disinfection systems, such as those offered by AeroClave, can help ensure thorough coverage in larger or busier facilit`ies.
    

• Stay Informed
  • Keep track of measles updates through reliable sources like the CDC, local health departments, or trusted healthcare providers. Knowing where current outbreaks are occurring can help you take extra precautions.

Conclusion: Measles Outbreak and Measles Precautions

In conclusion, measles remains a threat largely because of declining vaccination rates, high contagion levels, and easy global travel. Throughout this blog post, we have examined what causes measles to spread so rapidly, why vaccination is critical, how to identify the disease early, and which disinfection methods can help reduce contamination risks. By focusing on personal protection, workplace safety measures, and community-wide immunization, you can play a vital role in preventing new cases and protecting those who are most vulnerable. To further support your efforts, contact AeroClave for advanced disinfection solutions that enhance your infection control strategies.

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