by
Lawton Brothers
| May 13, 2025
Introduction
As of May 2025, the U.S. is facing its most severe measles outbreak in over 30 years, with more than 1,000 confirmed cases across 30 states, according to the CDC and Reuters. Measles is not just a childhood illness—it’s a highly contagious airborne virus that can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. In facilities where people work, learn, heal, or gather, this creates an urgent need for proactive environmental hygiene and infection control.
Whether you manage a school, healthcare facility, office building, or commercial property, now is the time to ensure your cleaning protocols meet the current public health challenge. Below, Lawton Bros outlines the key steps to protect your facility during this outbreak—each paired with actionable tips and industry best practices.
Understanding Measles and Its Transmission
What is Measles?
Measles is a viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. It is one of the most contagious viruses known to man, with a reproduction number (R0) between 12 and 18—meaning one infected person can infect up to 18 others in an unprotected population.
How it Spreads:
Airborne Transmission: The virus can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after a person has left the room.
Surface Contamination: Measles virus can also live on surfaces like door handles, desks, and elevator buttons for hours, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Symptoms Appear Later: Infected individuals are contagious for 4 days before and after the rash appears, making prevention even more challenging.
Cleaning Protocols to Minimize Measles Spread
1. Increase Cleaning Frequency of High-Touch Surfaces
High-contact areas like door handles, railings, shared desks, and faucet handles should be cleaned and disinfected multiple times per day.
Lawton Bros Tip:
Create a cleaning checklist categorized by cleaning frequency (hourly, daily, weekly). We recommend using a task tracking app or log sheet to ensure accountability and consistency.
2. Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants with Proven Efficacy Against Viruses
Not all cleaning products are effective against viral pathogens. Ensure that your janitorial staff is using EPA List Q disinfectants, which include products effective against emerging viral pathogens like measles.
Lawton Bros Tip:
We can help you choose the right disinfectants based on your facility type and ensure they’re applied properly. Always follow the contact time listed on the label—this is critical for efficacy.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation
Since measles is airborne, proper air exchange and filtration is key. Facilities should:
Use HEPA filters in HVAC systems where possible.
Open windows and doors when weather permits.
Increase the frequency of air filter replacements.
Lawton Bros Tip:
We offer indoor air quality audits and can recommend MERV-rated filter upgrades or portable air purifiers for high-risk areas such as nurse’s offices or waiting rooms.
4. Train Staff on Infection Control Procedures
Ensure your janitorial team understands how measles spreads and how to use PPE and cleaning products properly. Regular refresher training helps build a culture of safety.
Lawton Bros Tip:
Ask us about our on-site and virtual training programs, designed to equip custodial teams with the latest cleaning protocols for infection prevention. We also offer certification programs for infection control cleaninng.
5. Create a Measles Response Plan
Be ready to respond if someone in your facility is diagnosed or exposed to measles. Your response plan should include:
Temporary closure and deep cleaning procedures.
Communication strategies for staff and visitors.
Isolation areas for symptomatic individuals.
Lawton Bros Tip:
We can assist with developing a written facility cleaning protocol and emergency disinfection procedure that aligns with OSHA and CDC guidelines.
Conclusion
The 2025 measles outbreak underscores the critical role of environmental cleaning in protecting public health. By implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, using effective disinfectants, improving ventilation, and training your staff, your facility can significantly reduce the risk of virus transmission.
At Lawton Bros, we’re more than a janitorial supply company. Our experienced team is here to provide the right products, training, and support to help you maintain a safe, compliant, and healthy facility.
📞 Contact us today at 800-432-0813 to schedule a facility assessment or staff training session.