The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has issued the following statement regarding the current measles outbreak and a measles-related death reported in Lubbock, Texas, the first such reported death in the U.S. since 2015:
"Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. 25 years ago, a major public health achievement. Yet today, we are witnessing an entirely preventable resurgence, driven by declining vaccination rates, misinformation and policy failures. This is not just a setback—it’s a public health failure that is needlessly putting lives at risk and undermining decades of progress.
"Measles is more than just rash and fever that clear up in a few days. The disease measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. And it’s highly contagious; if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. The science is irrefutable: The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and lifesaving. According to the National Institutes of Health, one dose of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses provide 97% protection against measles. Yet, as vaccination rates fall, measles cases surge—leading to unnecessary hospitalizations and preventable deaths.
"Measles deaths in the United States are preventable. These tragedies are the direct result of weakened state vaccine policies and the spread of misinformation. Legislation that reduces vaccine protections puts lives at risk, and these have been entirely too common in recent years.
"As infection preventionists, we are the experts in infection prevention and control (IPC). The science is clear: strong immunization policies save lives. The resurgence of measles in the United States is not due to medical uncertainty—it is the result of policy failures and the unchecked spread of misinformation. Any law that reduces vaccine protections is a law that puts lives at risk.
"State legislators have a responsibility to protect public health, and that means strengthening—not weakening—vaccine laws. Policies that make it easier to opt out of vaccination directly contributes to outbreaks and places entire communities at risk."
APIC urges state leaders to take immediate action:
• Enforce strict vaccine requirements for school entry. Exemptions should be limited to legitimate medical reasons.
• Require proof of MMR vaccination for college students. Measles spreads quickly in universities, hospitals, and clinics—these settings must remain protected.
• Fund public health efforts to combat vaccine misinformation. False narratives are fueling hesitancy, especially through social media, and states must invest in education campaigns to ensure communities receive accurate, science-based information.
“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.” said APIC president Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC FAPIC, FSHEA. “The MMR vaccine is a proven, life-saving solution, and it is imperative that we take immediate action to ensure that every child, adolescent and adult is protected. This is not just a public health crisis—it is a failure of leadership. We cannot allow more preventable deaths. We must act now.”
Source: Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)