Editor’s note:* This blog was originally published on immuware.com February 5, 2024, with an update on March 5th 2025, and has been updated here to include the latest on the measles spread.*
Since we first published this blog in winter of 2024, measles has continued to spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 1,136 confirmed measles cases were reported by 28 jurisdictions as of February 12, 2026. Those include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
South Carolina has been hit particularly hard with 653 cases as of February 26, 2026, according to CDC’s map of measles cases among US residents, followed by Utah (149 cases), and Florida (107 cases).
According to the CDC, 931 of the 1,136 cases reported in 2026 so far have been between the ages of 0–19 years old. All of this has underscored the urgent need to combat declining childhood vaccination rates and increasing vaccine hesitancy.
Let’s look at how measles made its resurgence.
The comeback
According to a report published by the CDC, the number of countries battling disruptive outbreaks of measles surged to 37 in 2022. This marked a 68% increase from 2021, when 22 countries were reporting large outbreaks. The growth continued in 2023 with the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC estimating 10.3 million cases, a 20% increase from 2022.
But why?
Despite efforts to eliminate measles, the recent resurgence can likely be attributed to declining childhood vaccination rates and the importation of the virus. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic also may play a role, leading to reduced routine vaccinations, increased vaccine hesitancy, and a decline in overall hospital employee health.
The front line of defense: Employee Health
Employee Health nurses stand at the forefront of preventing infectious diseases within healthcare facilities. And with the resurgence of measles, their role just became even more critical.
When paired with infection control nurses, these healthcare professionals form a dynamic duo dedicated to fortifying our main lines of defense — timely vaccination adherence. This collaborative effort is essential not only for individual health but also for maintaining the overall safety and integrity of the healthcare environment.
Simply put, they are the unsung heroes ensuring healthcare facilities remain safe spaces for both providers and patients alike, and we need them now more than ever.
The game-changer: employee immunization tracking
Effectively managing, monitoring, and updating an entire hospital’s staff immunization status is daunting. We get it. In fact, that’s exactly why many organizations are turning to employee immunization tracking software.
But what exactly is an employee immunization tracking software?
These software are specialized digital solutions designed to streamline and enhance the management of immunization records within organizations, particularly in healthcare settings. It automates the monitoring, recording, and management of individuals’ vaccination status within an organization.
In other words, this software plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases (measles, we’re looking at you).
So let’s dive into a few key aspects and benefits and how they specifically apply to stopping measles outbreaks once and for all.
Key features
1. Automated tracking Software automates the tracking process, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping. This ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of human errors in managing vast amounts of immunization data. This type of tracking is particularly crucial during measles outbreaks, enabling swift identification of non-compliant individuals and facilitating targeted interventions.
2. Employee notifications Various employee immunization tracking software should include notification features that alert individuals and healthcare administrators about upcoming or overdue vaccinations.
During measles outbreaks, timely notifications become essential in ensuring that healthcare workers are aware of the urgency in maintaining their immunization status.
3. Compliance reporting These software generate comprehensive reports that provide a clear overview of the immunization status of the entire workforce.
During a measles outbreak, these reports could help identify potential areas of vulnerability and enable proactive measures to contain the spread.
The benefits
1. Efficiency Automation reduces the time and effort required for manual tracking and data entry, allowing healthcare administrators to focus on critical tasks during outbreaks.
2. Record-keeping The software ensures accurate and up-to-date records, minimizing the risk of vaccination-related discrepancies or oversights.
3. Proactive management Employee immunization tracking software enables proactive management of immunization status, allowing healthcare facilities to stay ahead of potential risks during measles outbreaks.
4. Regulatory compliance The software assists organizations in adhering to regulatory requirements related to employee immunization, ensuring compliance with healthcare industry standards.
5. Accountability The inclusion of notification features encourages employees to take personal responsibility for their immunization status, contributing to a culture of accountability within the organization.
The importance of onboarding
Employee immunization tracking is not just about managing existing staff; it’s also a crucial aspect of new hire onboarding. You need a vendor that arms you with the tools to create a seamless onboarding process. This ensures new employees are up-to-date with their vaccinations and contribute to a safer environment from day one.
That’s where we come in.
The Propelus Immuware® platform
Propelus Immuware® goes beyond immunization tracking. Our award-winning platform encompasses various employee and occupational health programs, including health surveillance, injury and illness management, scheduling, and incident tracking. The platform’s robust reporting and intuitive dashboards provide clear insights, helping organizations navigate regulatory requirements and maintain a compliant, safe workplace.
We make vaccine management easy. We help clinicians verify and administer vaccinations efficiently while saving time and minimizing errors. This is particularly crucial in the face of measles outbreaks, where swift and accurate vaccination is paramount.
The bottom line? We believe in working smarter, not harder. You deliver quality healthcare. We do the rest.
The wrap up
In the face of the measles resurgence, healthcare organizations must prioritize the immunization of their staff. Employee health and safety, coupled with advanced software solutions like Propelus Immuware, play a crucial role in creating a safer and healthier environment for everyone. By staying proactive and leveraging technology, we can work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
To see how you can improve protection for your healthcare organization, connect with us.