VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group. Through partnership, VIPTA curates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
Time to Fall in Love with Measles Prevention
This Valentine’s season is a good time to revisit one of infection prevention’s most reliable love stories: the partnership between measles vaccination and early public health response.
In 2025, the United States saw the highest number of measles cases in more than 30 years, with more than 2,200 people sickened and three deaths reported. After decades of progress, measles is once again reminding us why consistent prevention efforts still matter.
What to Expect:
- CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Up-to-date national data on measles cases, outbreaks, and trends.
- MMR Vaccination Coverage Gaps Map: New mapping tools that show where vaccination coverage is lower and where outbreaks are more likely.
- JAMA Patient Page: What Is Measles? A clear, visual overview of measles symptoms and transmission, including images that show how measles rash can appear on different skin tones, supporting inclusive education.
- Measles Myths and Facts Factsheet: A simple, evidence-based handout that helps staff and patients separate common measles myths from facts.
How to use it:
- Build a microlearning moment.
Choose one resource per week to review briefly during staff meetings, huddles, or shift change to reinforce key prevention concepts without adding time burden. - Strengthen onboarding and refreshers.
Incorporate these resources into onboarding or annual education to reinforce measles prevention, vaccination importance, and early response expectations. - Practice vaccine conversations.
Pair the Measles Myths and Facts factsheet with role-play or discussion to help staff practice responding to common questions or misconceptions with clear, evidence-based messages.
This Valentine’s Day, fall back in love with measles prevention and the tools that help keep everyone safer.
Target Audience: Essential IPC Education Level
VDH Southwest Regional Team Infection Prevention Mentorship Program
This month, Paige Bordwine, Southwest Regional Epidemiologist with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is highlighting the successes of an infection prevention mentorship program among health department staff in her region.
The Southwest Virginia Regional Infection Prevention team consists of three infection preventionists (IPs), supported by regional containment team members who assist with COVID-19 investigation and prevention. To strengthen IPC expertise and expand regional support, the IPs began mentoring containment team members. Through shadowing during on-site IPC assessments, mentees gained hands-on experience in conducting observations, providing education, and offering resources to address facility needs.
After facilities receive their recommendations report, an IP mentee follows up to address questions and needs, as well as provide education, observations, and interventions based on the IPC assessment. Notably, many skilled nursing and congregate care facilities lacked trained N95 fit testers. In response, the regional team assigned a specialist to conduct train-the-trainer sessions and assist with initial fit testing.
The Southwest Region has received excellent feedback on the value of the IP mentee program. Facilities benefit from mentee support, while mentees gain infection prevention experience, often using the program as a pathway to becoming infection preventionists and pursuing certification in infection control. Mentees describe the experience as rewarding, impactful, and an invaluable learning opportunity.
