Measles Management in Adults

Introduction to Measles

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults born in 1957 or later who lack evidence of immunity should receive MMR vaccination, with a second dose recommended for adults at higher risk, including healthcare workers, international travelers, students in postsecondary educational institutions, and those in outbreak settings 1, 2

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of complications, have an increased risk of premature labor and low birth weight infants, and require close monitoring 1
Immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of severe disease and complications, and may benefit from IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) 1

The American College of Physicians recommends that adults at higher risk, including healthcare workers, international travelers, students in postsecondary educational institutions, and those in outbreak settings, should receive a second dose of MMR vaccination 2
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that unvaccinated exposed individuals should receive MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure, and IVIG may be considered for high-risk exposed individuals who cannot receive the vaccine 1, 2

The World Health Organization recommends that adults with severe measles should be considered for vitamin A supplementation, particularly those with evidence of vitamin A deficiency, immunocompromised status, or severe symptoms or complications 1
The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends that patients with measles should be monitored for complications, including respiratory, neurological, and other complications, and treated accordingly 1, 2

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that airborne precautions, including N-95 respirator masks, patient isolation in airborne infection isolation room, and maintenance of isolation until 4 days after rash onset in normal hosts, should be taken to prevent transmission 1, 2