REGULATORY UPDATE: AABB Releases Measles Information and Resources Toolkit
May 06, 2025
As of May 1, the United States has reported 935 confirmed cases of measles (rubeola), though public health experts believe this may represent only a fraction of actual infections. This multi-jurisdictional outbreak continues to evolve rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, including state-level case data updated weekly, AABB encourages blood centers to consult the
CDC’s measles surveillance page and their local or state health department resources.
To support transfusion medicine professionals during this outbreak, AABB developed a
Measles Information and Resources Toolkit. While transfusion-transmitted measles remains a theoretical risk, special attention is warranted for immuno-compromised recipients, as primary viremia may occur before symptom onset. Additionally, increased use of the live attenuated measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine among donor-age individuals is anticipated as part of epidemic control efforts, introducing a separate, theoretical risk of vaccine strain transmission.
Key risk mitigation measures include:
- Ensuring donors are in good health at the time of donation.
- Prompt reporting of any illness following donation.
- A 28-day deferral period following receipt of the MMR vaccine.
- Ensuring all health care workers, including blood center staff, are up to date with MMR or MMRV vaccination to prevent disruptions in operations.
For an in-depth review, consult the
Measles Fact Sheet developed by the Emerging Infectious Disease Subgroup, published in the 2024 Transfusion supplement.
