How long can the measles virus survive on surfaces?

Measles Virus Survival on Surfaces

The measles virus can remain active and contagious on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person has left the area. 1

Transmission and Survival Characteristics

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known, primarily transmitted through:

• Airborne route via respiratory droplets and aerosols
• Direct contact with infectious secretions
• Contact with contaminated surfaces (fomites)

The virus demonstrates remarkable environmental stability for an enveloped virus:

• Survives in air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours 1
• Remains viable in droplet nuclei that can be dispersed throughout enclosed spaces 2
• Can infect susceptible individuals who enter a room even after the source patient has left 2

Factors Affecting Surface Survival

Several factors influence how long measles virus remains viable on surfaces:

• Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity)
• Surface type and porosity
• Amount of organic material present
• Ventilation in the space
• UV light exposure

Infection Control Implications

The ability of measles virus to survive on surfaces has significant implications for infection control:

Healthcare Settings

• Airborne infection-control precautions must be followed stringently 1
• Patients with suspected measles should wear masks and be placed in airborne-infection isolation rooms 1
• If isolation rooms are unavailable, place patients in private rooms with doors closed 1
• Only staff with presumptive immunity should enter rooms of patients with measles 1
• All healthcare personnel should use appropriate respiratory protection (N95 respirators) 1

Public Health Response

• Rooms occupied by measles patients should be considered potentially infectious for 2 hours after the patient leaves 1, 2
• Proper disinfection of surfaces is essential in controlling outbreaks
• Contact tracing should include individuals who entered spaces up to 2 hours after an infectious person was present 2

Case Example of Surface Transmission

A documented measles outbreak in a pediatric practice demonstrated the virus's ability to survive on surfaces and in air:

• A 12-year-old with measles spent one hour in a medical office
• Seven secondary cases occurred, including in children who:
  • Had only transient contact in the waiting room
  • Were never in the same room as the source patient
  • Arrived at the office one hour after the source patient had left 2

This case confirms that measles virus can remain airborne and infectious for at least one hour in real-world conditions, particularly in modern, tightly insulated buildings with recirculated ventilation 2.

Prevention Strategies

Given the virus's environmental persistence, prevention focuses on:

1. Vaccination - the most effective preventive measure 3, 4
2. Prompt isolation of suspected cases 1
3. Proper ventilation in healthcare and public settings
4. Routine disinfection of surfaces in areas where infected individuals have been present
5. Limiting exposure of unvaccinated individuals to potentially contaminated environments

The 2-hour survival window of measles virus on surfaces underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks, as even brief environmental exposures can lead to transmission.