Highly Contagious
The virus is spread through an infected person coughing or sneezing. The virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. The virus is so contagious that 90% of unvaccinated people who encounter an infected person will be infected.
Measles Vaccine Works
The best protection is 2 doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine which is 97% effective at preventing measles. Even one dose of this vaccine is 93% protective against measles. Fortunately, this vaccine provides long-lasting protection. The CDC advises that people who received two doses of measles vaccine as children are protected for life, and they do not ever need a booster dose. The risk posed by the virus far outweighs any risk posed by the vaccine.
Serious Consequences of Getting Measles
So far this year, unfortunately, there have been 2 confirmed deaths of children from measles, and 1 death under investigation. In addition to the risk of death, measles can cause several other serious health conditions. The most common symptoms are rash and fever, but infected people may also experience ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and swelling of the brain—all of which can lead to hospitalization. Continued frequent and larger outbreaks make life riskier for the most vulnerable groups: babies too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised people.
What’s especially concerning is that the virus can cause “immunity amnesia” where it weakens the immune system so that it forgets how to fight off viruses it has encountered before. This leaves the person more vulnerable to other infections for up to three years.
Affected Areas in the US
West Texas is currently the epicenter for the outbreak, with southeastern New Mexico, Southwestern Kansas, Ohio, California, Pennsylvania, and parts of Oklahoma also experiencing growing number of cases. Overall, cases have been reported in 39 states/jurisdictions. Health experts are concerned that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates. Business leaders should monitor their local and state health department websites for information on cases in their area.
Because of the virus’s highly contagious nature, the WHO has set a target of 95% vaccination coverage to attain community-level herd immunity. Unfortunately, the latest estimates show an overall 90.8% MMR vaccination rate in the US, but some communities have only 80% vaccination rates, making them extremely vulnerable to an outbreak of measles. If your business is in an area with low coverage, it’s worth taking extra precautions and closely monitoring public health websites for any information about potential measles outbreaks.
Increased Travel Risk
In early June, the CDC issued an updated Measles advisory, warning that travelling carries an increased risk of exposure to the virus. A spokesperson said the agency has received 62 reports this year of individuals with measles traveling on airplanes. Crowded travel hubs such as airports and train stations could become areas of increased transmission as the summer holidays spur on more frequent travel. Those who are vaccinated do not need to worry about any increased risk. For those unvaccinated, the CDC advises that infants aged 6 to 11 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before traveling. After turning one, they need two more doses: one between 12 to 15 months and another between 4 to 6 years. For children over 12 months, teens, and adults who aren’t sure if they’re immune to measles, it’s recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart, before traveling internationally.
Symptoms of Measles
Businesses in affected areas should make their employees aware of the symptoms of measles and advise anyone who has these symptoms to stay home and away from the workplace:
Early Symptoms (similar to a cold):
• Fever: A high temperature, which may reach around 40°C (104°F).
• Cough: A dry cough.
• Runny nose: A blocked or runny nose.
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis): Sore, red, and watery eyes.
• Small white spots in the mouth (Koplik’s spots): Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek.
Later Symptoms (Rash):
• Measles rash: A red, blotchy rash usually appears a few days after the initial symptoms.
• Rash progression: The rash typically starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the rest of the body.
• Rash appearance: The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches.
Why Should Businesses be Concerned About Measles?
A recent poll of over 10,000 US adults reveals that around half of adults (51%) are at least “somewhat worried” about the outbreak, with about one in seven adults expressing they are “very worried” (14% of all adults). So many of your staff may be concerned about these recent outbreaks. Although measles is usually viewed as a disease affecting children, more than a quarter of the cases in the current outbreaks were among adults and 10% of these people have been hospitalized. Businesses in areas experiencing an outbreak and/or businesses in areas of low MMR vaccine coverage should advise employees who have a fever coupled with any cold symptoms and/or rash to stay home.
Measles is hard to diagnose in its earliest stages because it shares so many symptoms with other respiratory diseases. Infected people will not likely show any signs of a rash when they are first infected, but they will still be able to spread the virus to others. This is why businesses need to make sure their sick leave policies are flexible based on the outbreak trends in their area.
Just one person showing up for work with symptoms of measles can cause great concern from other employees and could reduce work attendance as well as affecting customer traffic. People may be hesitant to visit crowded public spaces where the disease could spread, affecting retail, hospitality, transportation, and service-based businesses.
Tailored Business Advice
Measles is one of many evolving health threats ongoing in the United States. Business leaders should be vigilant about measles outbreaks due to the potential impact on workforce health, operational efficiency, public perception, and economic stability. Proactive measures, such as supporting vaccination efforts, allowing sick persons to stay home without penalty, and creating health protocols, could help mitigate these risks.
Health Preparedness Partners (HPP) closely monitors health threats and their likely impacts to businesses throughout the country. Business leaders rely on us to give them advice tailored to their specific context and based on the most up-to-date data.
If you would like to learn more about our services, please schedule a free consultation.