From the Guidelines
The measles virus can survive on clothes and other surfaces for a short period, and proper laundering can eliminate the virus. To answer the question of whether the measles virus can stay on clothes, it's essential to consider the virus's characteristics and how it spreads. The measles virus is highly contagious and primarily spreads through airborne respiratory droplets [ 1 ]. However, indirect contact with contaminated items like clothing can also transmit the disease. According to the available evidence, the measles virus can remain active on surfaces for a few hours [ 1 ]. If someone with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus particles can land on clothing and remain infectious during this time period. Some key points to consider:
- Measles is highly contagious, with a 90% infection rate among susceptible people exposed to the virus [ 1 ].
- The virus primarily spreads through airborne respiratory droplets, but indirect contact with contaminated items like clothing can also transmit the disease [ 1 ].
- If you suspect exposure to measles via contaminated clothing, proper laundering should eliminate the virus, as it cannot survive long outside a human host and is easily killed by heat, sunlight, and common disinfectants [ 1 ].
- Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method against measles infection [ 1 ]. To prevent transmission, wash contaminated clothing in hot water with regular laundry detergent, and dry on high heat if the fabric allows it. This is a crucial step in preventing the spread of the measles virus, especially in areas with high transmission rates or among susceptible individuals [ 1 ].
From the Research
Measles Virus Survival on Clothes
- There are no research papers that directly address whether the measles virus can stay on clothes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The provided studies focus on post-exposure prophylaxis for measles, including the use of immunoglobulins and measles-containing vaccines, but do not discuss the survival of the measles virus on surfaces such as clothes.
- The studies do provide information on the effectiveness of different prophylaxis methods, such as intramuscular immunoglobulin (IMIg) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), in preventing measles infection in susceptible individuals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, they do not investigate the persistence of the measles virus on clothing or other surfaces, which would be relevant to understanding the potential for transmission through contact with contaminated items.