CloroxPro Blog – Professional Cleaning and Disinfection Insights

After decades “off the radar”, measles is back.

Until 2024, many Canadian physicians had never seen a measles case outside a textbook. After all, Canada had declared measles to be eliminated in 1998, by virtue of a highly effective vaccine and widespread vaccination program. But despite decades of success, the measles virus is making a comeback, both in Canada and globally. The outbreak in Ontario at the time of writing is nearing 1,700 cases, and a growing number of cases have been reported in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and PEI. While measles is generally thought to be a childhood illness, nearly one-quarter of cases in Ontario have been in adults.

As some healthcare and public health professionals are encountering measles for the first time, education efforts are underway to bolster recognition and understanding of symptoms and the critical steps needed to contain its spread – from public settings to healthcare facilities to schools. Here, we provide review of measles signs and symptoms, how it’s transmitted, and how cleaning and disinfection with the right tools can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Measles is one of the most contagious human diseases

For many, measles was a rite of passage for childhood. Once the vaccine became widely available and vaccination schedules routinely followed starting in the early 1970s, measles basically disappeared in Canada.

Since 2023, there has been a significant increase in measles cases worldwide. Recent measles outbreaks in Canada have been associated with international travel, as measles continues to be endemic in many areas of the world. This has raised concerns about the increased potential risk of transmission of measles in healthcare settings, especially in patients and staff who are unimmunized or under-immunized. Since 2013, measles cases have been documented in fully-vaccinated healthcare workers.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is spread through the air and by contact with respiratory secretions. Humans are the only natural host of measles virus.

The measles virus lives in the nose and throat of an infected person and is expelled into the air through coughing and sneezing. The virus travels when a person inhales contaminated respiratory droplets or touches secretions on a contaminated surface then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, creating direct contact with mucous membranes. The live virus can remain suspended in the air and infectious for up to two hours. Mechanical ventilation systems have been a focus in airborne measles transmission in previous outbreaks.

Complications associated with measles are most frequent in children under 5 years, particularly infants under the age of one year who have not yet been vaccinated (according to guidelines); adults older than 20 years; pregnant women; and those who are immunocompromised or malnourished.

Who is at risk of contacting measles?

Historically, people who have acquired immunity by having measles (e.g., childhood infection) and those who are fully vaccinated according to guidelines are protected from measles. In view of the long-running success of the measles vaccine, unvaccinated individuals are at the highest risk of infection.

Recognition

Measles can be difficult to recognize. The classic red rash only appears after a 7- to 14-day incubation period that brings high fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat – symptoms commonly associated with other common viral infections – along with conjunctivitis and “Koplik spots” in the mouth, considered a diagnostic feature of measles.

Measles are so infectious that a single case can spread like wildfire among unvaccinated populations. One person could potentially infect 12 to 18 others, which is why it’s so important for healthcare professionals to be vigilant and follow appropriate prevention protocols when a patient presents with confirmed or suspected measles.

Healthcare professionals should consider measles in patients presenting with these signs and symptoms, especially if they are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or immunocompromised and there is a potential exposure risk, including:

• recent travel
• known contact with a case of measles
• residing in an area where measles cases have been recently identified.

Treatment

There are no specific drugs approved for the treatment of measles. Treatment is mainly supportive to manage nutrition, dehydration, and pain.

Prevention and reduction: Best practices for reducing the risk of measles transmission

Just think: measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of people exposed who are not immune or vaccinated will also become infected.

Measles is an “enveloped” virus, meaning the virus is contained within a lipid membrane on the outer surface. While the envelope enables the virus to leave the infected person undamaged and be transmitted to others, it is also fragile and can be easily destroyed by certain active ingredients in cleaners and disinfectants, including ethanol and hydrogen peroxide.

Everyday preventive actions to help reduce the spread of measles are in keeping with those for colds and flu; some of the best risk-reduction practices were learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC) recommends the following Routine Practices in healthcare settings:

• Hand hygiene (handwashing, alcohol-based hand rub) before and after all patient contact.
• Appropriate and consistent use of personal protective equipment: gloves, masks, eye protection and respiratory protection when working with individuals with a suspected or confirmed case of measles.
• Disinfection of all equipment which is shared between patients.
• Cleaning/disinfection of all patient contact surfaces after patient leaves an examining room, patient room or public area.

The same practices can be applied to schools, gyms, offices – anywhere a case has been reported or suspected. Cleaning and disinfecting should focus on high-touch surfaces like desks, doorknobs, light switches, lockers and shared surfaces. 

In case of an outbreak, enhanced environmental cleaning is critical to stop the spread. Following protocols for the use of cleaners and disinfectants, processes for cleaning rooms, and frequency of environmental cleaning is key.

Which products are effective against measles?

Disinfectants effective against enveloped viruses are suitable for measles, but it’s crucial to follow manufacturer’s instructions for use and dwell time. Using a Health Canada-registered disinfectant (identified by DIN #) that is effective against the measles virus is critical to success.

A variety of active ingredients can quickly and effectively kill the measles virus. Of special consideration for schools, particularly during class hours: a disinfectant made from naturally derived plant-based active ingredients like CloroxPro™ Clorox™ EcoClean™ Disinfecting Wipes.

Now that we’re on high alert for measles, consistent preventive measures are critical. As always, the best defense is a good offense!

Be measles-ready! For effective disinfection, choose CloroxPro™

The following CloroxPro™ cleaner disinfectants have demonstrated effectiveness against the measles virus on hard, nonporous surfaces when used according to directions.

Clorox Healthcare™ VersaSure® Alcohol-Free Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes (DIN: 02473151)

Alcohol-free quat formula with broad-spectrum disinfection; contact times from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

• Kills the measles virus in 30 seconds.
• Kills 50 pathogens in 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
• Kills SARS-CoV-2, measles and mumps virus, HIV and Influenza A virus in 30 seconds.
• Suited for multiple hard nonporous surfaces including medical screens and equipment.
• Non-abrasive, very low residue on surfaces.
• No harsh chemical odour.
• Stays wet for contact time.

Clorox Healthcare™ Bleach Germicidal Disinfectant Wipes (DIN: 02465671)

A bleach-based formula in an easy-to-use wipe format, with fast disinfection efficacy, favourable surface compatibility and residue profile. 

• Health Canada registered to kill 66 pathogens.
• Kills the measles virus in 1 minute.
• Kills viruses in 1 minute and bacteria in 30 seconds.
• Suited for many sites and surfaces, from medical to general use.
• C. difficile sporicidal efficacy tested in the presence of 3-part organic soil load.
• Available in clinical canister and EVS bucket wipe size formats.

CloroxPro™ Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes (DIN: 02466031)

Attack multiple surfaces with this bleach-free disinfecting product in a convenient ready-to-use wipe. Great for high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces.

• Kills the measles virus in 15 seconds.
• Kills 49 pathogens in 15 seconds to 4 minutes. 
• Cleans and kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on hard, nonporous surfaces.
• Sanitizes in 10 seconds. 
• Kills Staph, Strep, E. coli, salmonella, listeria, measles, mumps and SARS-CoV-2 on hard nonporous surfaces.
• Safe for use on hard, nonporous surfaces such as finished wood, sealed granite, stainless steel, mirrors and glass.

CloroxPro™ Clorox™ EcoClean™ Disinfecting Wipes (DIN: 02545047)

A great choice for schools! A lactic acid-based disinfectant that is made from naturally derived plant-based active ingredients, and formulated without bleach, alcohol or ammonia.

• Kills the measles virus in 5 minutes.
• Kills 17 pathogens in 30 seconds to 2 minutes.  
• Kills 99.9% of flu viruses (Influenza A virus, RSV) and the COVID-19 virus in 30 seconds.
• Sanitizes 5 bacteria in 15 seconds.
• Cleans and disinfects without harming most surfaces, with no lingering chemical smell.

Also available as a spray: CloroxPro™ Clorox™ EcoClean™ Disinfecting Cleaner (DIN: 02542528)

• Kills the measles virus in 30 seconds.

Learn more about being prepared for the measles virus and CloroxPro™ products that can help safeguard your space.

Interested in speaking to a representative about customized solutions and a free demo and training? Contact us today.