In the latest issue of CDC’s Correctional Health Newsletter, the organization notes that there have been more than 100 measles cases in nine detention facilities across three states from January 1 – April 13, 2026. The measles virus is one of the most contagious known pathogens and can cause serious complications. It spreads through the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes. One person infected with measles can spread it to an average of 18 other exposed people, and one in five unvaccinated people with measles is hospitalized.
DC has developed a Measles Preparedness and Response Checklist for correctional and detention facilities. Use this checklist to make sure your facility is prepared for measles, and so that you know what to do in the first 10 minutes after a measles case is suspected in your facility.
Find out more at the CDC Measles website.