Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious, infectious illness. It is associated with a characteristic morbilliform rash. The virus is transmitted exclusively between humans, typically via respiratory droplets, which can remain in the air and on surfaces for hours. Vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella (also known as MMR) is highly effective at preventing measles disease in children. Following introduction of the measles vaccine, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considered measles to previously be eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. However, with declining vaccination rates, measles cases have significantly increased in the U.S.
In an effort to address diagnostic questions, 黑料正能量and APHL jointly developed this FAQ document for clinical laboratories on testing of measles, and hosted a in June 2025.
