Measles, also known as Rubeola, is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable respiratory illness caused by the measles virus. Usually a childhood disease, measles can infect adults who have not been vaccinated or have never had the disease.

Despite a substantial reduction in measles illnesses in the United States, and near eradication at the start of the 21st century, measles continues to occur domestically.

Workers may be exposed to measles whenever the virus is circulating in the community. Certain workplace environments increase the likelihood of worker exposure to measles, including:

• Healthcare settings (clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.)
• Clinical and research laboratories
• Congregate settings (schools, daycares, dormitories, assisted living facilities, detention facilities).
• High-density workplaces such as meatpacking plants
• Living and conducting work outside of the U.S

In addition, if exposed, workers with no prior vaccination or measles infection and those in poor health are more likely to become ill with measles and/or experience serious complications. These include:

• Workers with weak immune systems and/or chronic diseases.
• Workers who are pregnant.

For more information about measles, see The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website Measles (Rubeola).

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