Combating the Measles Outbreak
The Role of Air Purification, Vigilant Hygiene Practices, and Education
The UK is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with approximately 500 cases reported since October 2023, the majority of which are in the West Midlands1. London follows closely as the second most affected area. The resurgence of this highly contagious disease underscores the critical need for widespread vaccination, stringent infection prevention measures, and effective education strategies in healthcare settings and beyond.
Measles, an enveloped RNA virus with an R value between 12 and 182, affects mostly children and can only be naturally hosted by humans. The primary control measure against measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination. Achieving a 95% vaccination uptake is essential to prevent outbreaks; however, current levels are as low as 60% in some areas3, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination hesitancy.
During a recent webinar hosted by The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) and Healthcare Infection Society (HIS), experts provided key insights into mitigating the spread of measles.
Key Recommendations for Healthcare Facilities:
Cleaning and Disinfection
Implement terminal cleaning in patient settings, including the removal of waste and linen, and the disinfection of equipment using products containing at least 1000ppm of chlorine, such as sodium hypochlorite. For a deeper clean, consider using auto-decontamination systems that use UV-C light or Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour.
Environment and Ventilation
Utilize air filtration units or ‘air scrubbers’ to enhance air quality. Although there’s a lack of consensus on the recommended air change rate, measles has a fallow time of around 2 hours. Hospitals with ageing estate are likely relying on natural ventilation and typically achieve 1-2 Air Changes per Hour (ACH). Deploying air filtration units will improve air changes and minimise the risk of the virus spreading.
Education and Awareness
The decline in vaccination rates has been attributed to several factors, including the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing vaccine hesitancy. To counteract this, it is imperative to leverage education as a tool for prevention. By placing posters and leaflets in accessible areas throughout hospitals, healthcare providers can play a vital role in educating the population about the importance of getting their children vaccinated against measles. These materials should communicate the risks associated with measles, the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, and the goal of achieving a 95% vaccination rate to prevent outbreaks.
Inivos’ Role in Enhancing Air Quality
To support healthcare facilities in their fight against the measles outbreak, Inivos offers two air purification solutions: the HEPA-800 and the COMBI-1200. Both are mobile air purification devices designed to significantly reduce the presence of airborne pathogens, including measles, within healthcare environments. Their ‘plug and play’ design allows for fast and straightforward setup, enabling facilities to improve their air quality quickly and with minimal disruption.
HEPA-800
The HEPA-800 is equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capable of capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring that the air circulating in patient and common areas is as clean and safe as possible.
COMBI-1200
The COMBI-1200 combines HEPA filtration with UV-C light technology, offering a dual approach to air purification. This device not only filters the air but also uses UV-C light to inactivate any remaining pathogens, providing an additional layer of protection against measles and other infectious agents.
In the face of this measles outbreak, it is crucial for healthcare facilities to enhance their infection prevention and control measures and to participate actively in educating the public about the importance of vaccination. The HEPA-800 and COMBI-1200 are immediately available for dispatch from Inivos, providing a fast and effective solution to improving air quality and safeguarding against the spread of measles.
By integrating advanced air purification technologies into your infection prevention strategy, you can play a pivotal role in controlling the current outbreak and protecting public health.
