Measles Risk in Long-Term Care (LTC)

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 09/08/2025 15:39:36
• In: Quality/Regulatory

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented with vaccination. While measles outbreaks continue to occur in the United States, the likelihood of exposure in long-term care settings is generally lower than in schools or clinics because of the populations served. However, exposure and transmission remain possible whenever a susceptible individual comes into contact with someone who is contagious. By applying the guidance in this Brief, LTC Infection Preventionists (IPs) can help reduce the risk of measles transmission within their facilities.

Click Here to access the Full AHCA/NCAL Brief.

The CDC has developed several tools and resources that can be adapted to meet facility needs, available here: Measles Preparedness and Response in Healthcare Settings | Infection Control | CDC. These include:

• A Measles Assessment Tool 
• Steps for responding to measles exposures 
• A sample script to assess if someone was exposed to measles and the need for measles post-exposure prophylaxis 
• A sample measles exposure notification letter 

 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org