For many facility leaders, measles hasn't been top of mind for years or even decades. But as cases in the US continue to climb to concerning levels, now is a good time for organizations to revisit infection prevention strategies and confirm their response plans are ready if an exposure occurs.
As of early July 2026, the CDC has confirmed more than 2,318 measles cases across more than 43 states, putting the U.S. on pace for one of its worst measles years in more than three decades. Large outbreaks in Utah, South Carolina and several other states have highlighted how quickly the virus can spread, and public health experts expect additional cases as schools reopen and travel continues through the second half of the year.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. An infected person can spread the virus to up to nine out of 10 susceptible people they come into contact with. Individuals are contagious before they may realize they're sick, and the virus can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
The good news is that preparedness doesn’t have to begin after an exposure occurs. Here are five ways facility and operations leaders can strengthen readiness before a measles outbreak reaches their facilities.
1. Review Your Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols
Strong infection prevention starts with well-defined cleaning and disinfection protocols. As public health guidance evolves, facility leaders should regularly review their procedures to ensure they're using EPA-registered disinfectants, following manufacturer instructions, and allowing products to remain on surfaces for the required contact (dwell) time.
It's also important to remember that effective disinfection begins with proper cleaning. Removing visible dirt and debris before applying disinfectant helps products perform as intended and improves overall cleaning effectiveness.
2. Have a Response Plan Before You Need One
When a suspected or confirmed exposure occurs, facility leaders don't want to be creating procedures on the fly.
A documented response plan helps minimize disruption by outlining how affected areas will be isolated, cleaned, communicated, and returned to service. The plan should also clearly define roles and responsibilities, so enhanced cleaning and restoration efforts can begin quickly and confidently if an exposure occurs. For operations with multiple locations, partnering with a national facility services provider can help streamline response efforts and deliver consistent support across sites.
3. Prioritize High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch surfaces are among the most frequently used areas within a facility and should receive consistent attention as part of routine cleaning programs. Door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, handrails, shared workstations, break rooms, restrooms, and shared equipment all deserve regular cleaning and disinfection.
Using dedicated cleaning materials for different areas of a facility can also help reduce the potential for cross-contamination during routine cleaning. A consistent cleaning program helps ensure these critical touchpoints receive the attention they need, even during busy day-to-day operations, helping facilities maintain healthier environments for employees, customers, and visitors.
4. Invest in Ongoing Training
Even the best cleaning products can’t deliver results without properly trained teams. Ongoing training equips cleaning teams to properly use disinfectants, follow required contact times, wear appropriate PPE when needed, and execute standardized cleaning procedures.
Regular training promotes consistent cleaning procedures while helping teams keep pace with evolving public health guidance. For example, KBS’ learning management system delivers continuous training and updates that help cleaning teams stay current on evolving guidance, standardized procedures, and industry best practices.
5. Partner with an Experienced Facility Services Provider
Bringing these elements together requires more than responding after an exposure occurs. It requires consistent execution, scalable resources, and teams trained in current cleaning and disinfection best practices. That's where an experienced facility services partner can make a huge difference.
KBS partners with leading organizations across healthcare, retail, distribution, commercial office, manufacturing, and other industries to help strengthen facility preparedness through:
- Routine cleaning and disinfection programs
- High-touch surface cleaning and disinfection
- EPA-registered disinfectant protocols that follow current public health guidance and required contact (dwell) times
- Ongoing training that keeps cleaning teams aligned with evolving infection prevention best practices
- Rapid-response cleaning support that can be mobilized following suspected or confirmed infectious disease exposures
- National support that helps organizations respond consistently across multiple locations
Preparedness Starts Before an Exposure
No organization can eliminate the risk of infectious diseases, but proactive planning can help reduce disruption, support business continuity, and create healthier environments for employees, customers, and visitors. Reviewing cleaning protocols, strengthening response plans, investing in training, and partnering with experienced providers today can help facility leaders respond more confidently when future exposures occur.
Whether you're reviewing existing protocols or strengthening preparedness for future infectious disease events, KBS can help create cleaner, healthier, and more resilient facilities. Contact our team to learn how KBS can help strengthen your facility preparedness strategy.
