Red rash on the skin of a little girl, chicken pox and measles in children on the face close-up

Texas has reported an outbreak in measles cases — over 150 cases as reported by state officials. According to KVUE ABC reporting, this reality has everyone focused again on proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols. 

According to the World Health Organization, the measles virus can live in air and on untreated services for up to two hours. Vaccinations are the first line of defense, but proper cleaning and disinfecting, handwashing, and minimizing touches to the face can help prevent the spread. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with Texas State Department of Healthy Services to respond to the outbreak. 

“The measles outbreak in Texas is a call to action for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to public health,” Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, said in the CDC statement, as reported by CIDRAP. “By working together, parents, healthcare providers, community leaders, and government officials, we can prevent future outbreaks and protect the health of our nation.”