MEASLES: What Salon and Spa Professionals Should Know

As a salon or spa professional, you work closely with clients every day, creating a safe and welcoming environment. But did you know that a single case of a highly contagious disease—like measles—can spread rapidly in settings where people are in close contact? At the Salon and Spa Professional Association (SSPA), we are committed to keeping you informed about emerging health issues that can affect your workplace. Understanding measles and other communicable diseases not only protects your clients, it safeguards your team, your business, and the broader community. Staying informed and proactive strengthens both our industry and the trust clients place in us.

Current Health Information

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads easily through airborne droplets or direct contact with respiratory secretions. Although the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks continue to appear, largely among unvaccinated individuals and travelers returning from abroad. Awareness and vaccination remain essential tools to prevent the spread of this illness.

Minnesota experienced a significant measles outbreak in 2024, with a total of seventy confirmed cases statewide. The outbreak primarily affected unvaccinated individuals, especially children aged one to nineteen years. Most cases occurred in Hennepin County, which accounted for 88 percent of the total, and twelve individuals were hospitalized during the outbreak. The outbreak was notably concentrated within the Somali community, prompting increased public health efforts, including vaccination campaigns and community outreach. As of October 1, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed eighteen measles cases statewide. These recent cases are linked to both domestic and international travel, and all affected individuals were unvaccinated.

Transmission

Measles is spread through airborne droplets or direct contact with respiratory secretions and is one of the most contagious diseases known. Approximately ninety percent of unvaccinated close contacts will develop the illness. Its contagious period begins four days before the rash appears and continues for four days afterward, making early awareness and prevention critical.

Symptoms and Timeline

The incubation period for measles ranges from seven to twenty-one days, with an average of ten to fourteen days, during which the individual shows no symptoms. Early signs include high fever, sometimes reaching 105°F (40.5°C), and at least one of the “three C’s”: cough, coryza (runny nose), or conjunctivitis (red eyes). These early symptoms appear two to four days before the characteristic rash.

The measles rash typically begins on the face or behind the ears and spreads downward to the trunk and extremities. The lesions appear as flat or slightly raised red spots that may merge or cluster together. In some cases, tiny white spots—known as Koplik’s spots—may appear inside the mouth before the rash develops. On darker skin tones, the rash may appear purple or dark brown and can heal with lighter patches, which can make early identification more challenging. A clinical diagnosis requires the presence of fever, rash, and at least one of the three C’s.

Complications

While most people recover fully, measles can lead to serious or life-threatening complications, especially for children under five, adults over twenty, and unvaccinated individuals. Complications can include hospitalization, diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis, with the risk of death in rare cases. Measles can also cause a rare but fatal long-term complication called Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a progressive neurological disorder that may develop years or even decades after the initial infection. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine protects against both measles and its serious complications, including SSPE.

Treatment and Prevention

No specific antiviral therapy exists for measles. Vitamin A supplementation is recommended for hospitalized children, and while ribavirin shows laboratory effectiveness against the virus, its clinical use is limited. Vaccination remains the best defense, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing approximately 97 percent protection. Routine infection control and diligent hand hygiene in salons and spas are also key to preventing the spread of all infectious diseases.

Stay Connected with SSPA

Health awareness is an essential part of professional excellence. Keeping immunizations up to date and practicing consistent infection control helps protect both clients and coworkers. To remain informed and proactive, take your CORE class (Health, Safety, Infection Control, Laws, and Rules) with the Salon and Spa Professional Association. For more updates on infection control, safety standards, and continuing education opportunities, visit www.sspatoday.com or attend a LIVE with SSPA virtual session. Together, we empower salon and spa professionals through education, advocacy, and leadership.

From the Desk of Judy Garcia (Education Coordinator)