The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Measles in Healthcare Settings can help clinicians protect against the spread of measles.
Measles is most commonly spread from person to person either at home or in public settings, but it can also spread in healthcare settings. While the most important way to prevent the spread of measles is community vaccination, core measles prevention in healthcare settings requires a multi-faceted approach including:
· Ensuring healthcare personnel (HCP) have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles
· Rapidly identifying and isolating patients with known or suspected measles
· Adhering to Standard and Airborne Precautions for patients with known or suspected measles
· Routinely promoting and facilitating respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
· Appropriately managing exposed and ill HCP
CDC's interim guidance should be implemented as part of a comprehensive infection prevention program to prevent the spread of germs among patients, healthcare providers, and visitors.
