Measles Outbreak Sparks APIC’s Urgent Call for Stronger Vaccine Policies

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)

(Logo credit: APIC)

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) released an open letter to state legislators urging them to strengthen vaccine requirements to prevent further measles outbreaks. A measles-related death has shaken the nation. A child in Lubbock, Texas, died from a preventable disease that was eliminated in the US 25 years ago. This is the first measles death since 2015, highlighting the dangers of declining vaccination rates, misinformation, and policy failures.

As APIC’s letter stated, measles is not just a mild childhood illness but a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening virus. It spreads through the air and can remain infectious in a room for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves. If one person has measles, up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with them will become infected. The consequences of this disease are devastating, particularly for children under five, who are at the highest risk of severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death.

The science is clear: the measles vaccine is safe, effective, and saves lives. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a single dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective, while two doses provide 97% protection against measles. Yet, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the vaccine’s efficacy, misinformation continues to spread, leading to vaccine hesitancy and dangerously low immunization rates.

As vaccination rates drop, measles cases surge. This is not speculation—it is a well-documented pattern. In communities with strong immunization programs, measles outbreaks are rare. However, outbreaks have become more frequent and severe in areas where vaccine exemptions are increasing. The current Texas measles outbreak, which has already infected over 150 people, is a direct result of weakened state vaccine laws and declining public confidence in immunization.

Measles-related deaths in the US should not occur. These tragic losses stem directly from policy failures that allow individuals to opt out of vaccinations based on personal beliefs rather than legitimate medical reasons. In recent years, states have enacted laws that weaken vaccine requirements, permitting exemptions that jeopardize herd immunity. These policy changes are actively contributing to outbreaks.

As infection preventionists (IPs) and public health professionals, we are responsible for advocating for evidence-based practices that protect public health. The resurgence of measles in the United States is not due to scientific uncertainty—it is the consequence of misinformation and lawmakers' failure to prioritize public safety.

APIC is urging state legislators to act now to prevent further measles-related deaths. Lawmakers must enact and enforce strong vaccination policies to halt the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations.

APIC calls for immediate legislative action, including:

1. Strengthening School Vaccine Requirements:
   States must enforce strict immunization laws for school entry, with exemptions limited only to medically valid reasons.
2. Requiring MMR Vaccination for College Students and Healthcare Workers:
   Measles spreads rapidly in universities, hospitals, and clinical settings. Ensuring vaccination in these environments is critical.
3. Funding Public Health Education to Combat Misinformation:
   Social media has amplified vaccine misinformation, leading to increased hesitancy. States must invest in evidence-based educational campaigns to provide accurate information and rebuild public trust in vaccines.

Failing to address vaccine refusal and misinformation will cost lives. The measles fatality rate is 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 cases, and 18 people have already been hospitalized in the current outbreak. Without immediate intervention, more children and adults will suffer unnecessary complications, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Carol McLay, APIC President, emphasized the urgency of this crisis:
"This tragic measles-related death is a stark reminder of the critical importance of vaccination. Saving lives is not just a priority—it’s our responsibility. The MMR vaccine is a proven, life-saving solution, and we must take immediate action to protect every child, adolescent, and adult. This is not just a public health crisis—it is a failure of leadership. We cannot allow more preventable deaths. We must act now."

APIC urges all individuals to listen to public health experts and IPs, not online misinformation. Get vaccinated. Ensure your children and loved ones are current on all recommended vaccines. Encourage schools, healthcare facilities, and workplaces to enforce strong immunization policies.

As APIC’s open letter said, “We urge you: Do not wait. Listen to public health experts and our nation’s Infection Preventionists, not sources of misinformation. Vaccinate your children, yourself, and your loved ones against measles today. Every unvaccinated person is at risk—and so are those around them. This crisis is entirely preventable, but only if we act now. Lives depend on it.”

Resources from the APIC Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force

Texas Measles Outbreak Update (2/26/25)

New Mexico Measles Outbreak Update (2/25/25)

Measles Cases and Outbreaks (CDC) (2/21/25)

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Measles in Healthcare Settings (CDC)

Measles Symptoms and Complications | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC

Government of Canada. Measles: For health professionals