The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert after four cases of measles were reported last week in unvaccinated residents of Montgomery County, the agency said in a July 29 news release. The individuals, members of the same family, were infected after a person with measles traveled to Texas from out of state.
Because measles is so contagious, additional cases could occur among unvaccinated people in the area, according to the release. DSHS is encouraging health care professionals and the public to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of measles and to take steps to make sure they are protected.
Vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the disease, protecting more than 97% of people who have received two doses, the agency said. The vaccine is available through the health care system, including free and low-cost options for those who qualify through the Texas Vaccines for Children program. Pharmacists can administer it without a prescription to people 14 and older and with a prescription to children 13 and under.
Measles spreads through coughing, sneezing, or simply being near someone who is infected, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, according to the release. Symptoms can start seven to 21 days after exposure and usually begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes, followed a few days later by a rash of flat, red spots that starts on the face and spreads down the body. A person is contagious from about four days before the rash appears until four days after, and the agency said people who may have measles should stay home during that period.
State health officials advised anyone who believes they have been exposed to contact their health care provider by phone before visiting an office so testing can be arranged in a way that limits exposure to others. In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, or death, the release noted, and warning signs that require emergency care include difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, confusion, and, in young children, a blue color around the mouth or crying without tears.
With additional cases possible in the area, DSHS urged Texans to review their vaccination records and make sure their families are protected before measles spreads further.
The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert after four cases of measles were reported last week in unvaccinated residents of Montgomery County, the agency said in a July 29 news release. The individuals, members of the same family, were infected after a person with measles traveled to Texas from out of state.
Because measles is so contagious, additional cases could occur among unvaccinated people in the area, according to the release. DSHS is encouraging health care professionals and the public to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of measles and to take steps to make sure they are protected.
Vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the disease, protecting more than 97% of people who have received two doses, the agency said. The vaccine is available through the health care system, including free and low-cost options for those who qualify through the Texas Vaccines for Children program. Pharmacists can administer it without a prescription to people 14 and older and with a prescription to children 13 and under.
Measles spreads through coughing, sneezing, or simply being near someone who is infected, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, according to the release. Symptoms can start seven to 21 days after exposure and usually begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes, followed a few days later by a rash of flat, red spots that starts on the face and spreads down the body. A person is contagious from about four days before the rash appears until four days after, and the agency said people who may have measles should stay home during that period.
State health officials advised anyone who believes they have been exposed to contact their health care provider by phone before visiting an office so testing can be arranged in a way that limits exposure to others. In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, or death, the release noted, and warning signs that require emergency care include difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, confusion, and, in young children, a blue color around the mouth or crying without tears.
With additional cases possible in the area, DSHS urged Texans to review their vaccination records and make sure their families are protected before measles spreads further.