Measles Matters! Understanding the Outbreak and the Lab's critical role

Course overview

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to severe complications, including fatal pneumonia. In early 2025, a measles outbreak was identified in west Texas. Since then, the outbreak has continued to grow, with additional cases emerging across the United States. The country is now on track to experience the highest number of measles cases since the disease was declared eradicated in 2000. Controlling the spread of measles depends on maintaining high vaccination coverage and ensuring prompt diagnosis of infected individuals. In this webinar, we will explore measles virus pathogenicity, current diagnostic approaches, and effective strategies to limit transmission. Learning Objectives Describe the current state of the 2025 U.S. outbreak of measles and barriers to stopping the spread Recognize the clinical features of measles and the role vaccination plays in reducing the spread of the virus Examine the role for clinical testing in the diagnosis of measles and how diagnostic methods have evolved Summarize approaches laboratories both small and large can take to be prepared for newly emerging or re-emerging diseases