Measles Update and Important Information

March 3, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

Measles activity is increasing in parts of the United States and Canada in 2025, and the VNS Health Infection Prevention and Control team is closely monitoring this activity. Notably, the New Jersey Department of Health has reported 3 cases of measles among unvaccinated Bergen County residents as of February 28, 2025.

The New York City DOH has reported two unrelated cases of measles since the beginning of 2025.

During this time, there have been no other cases identified in New York State.

We want to offer these reminders and tips to keep you informed and protected. 

Protecting yourself

Vaccination is the key – the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. Communities develop herd immunity when at least 95% of residents are vaccinated.

VNS Health provides you with NIOSH-approved N95 respirator masks for use when caring for a patient diagnosed or with suspected airborne-transmitted diseases. Patient facing staff must pass an annual medical evaluation, be fit tested to ensure proper mask size, and receive training on mask use. Patient facing staff are required to perform fit check after each donning of N95.

Evidence of measles immunity is defined as having received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR), positive measles antibody test results, a history of laboratory-confirmed measles, or being born before 1957.

Measles is a viral infection that causes a fever and a distinctive rash.

Early symptoms

• High fever, usually starting 10–14 days after exposure to the virus
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis: Red and watery eyes
• Koplik spots: Small bluish-white spots inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheeks.

Rash

• Appears about 7–18 days after exposure, usually on the face and upper neck
• Spreads over about 3 days, eventually to the hands and feet
• Usually lasts 5–6 days before fading

If you suspect that the patient/family member has measles, perform the following:

• Implement airborne infection control precautions in conjunction with standard precautions immediately according to IC.115 Transmission Precautions.
• Provide patient with facemask to wear to reduce airborne transmission.
• Isolate the patient from others in the home if possible and notify the physician. (If someone else in the patient’s home is displaying these symptoms, isolate your patient from them and notify the physician about this suspected exposure.)
• Notify your Clinical Manager. Clinical Manager should notify other members of the team and venders
• Call the VNS Health Quality Department at 917-572-9203 and email Infection Prevention and Control team [email protected] – NOTE – Quality will notify the NYC Department of Health.
• Patients with measles should remain in Airborne Precautions.
• Provider order is required to discontinue precautions
• If you have to send the patient to the emergency department, or urgent care call ahead and notify them so appropriate infection prevention measures are taken.

Thank you,
Catherine

Catherine Schaefer
Vice President, Quality, Provider Services