Measles Outbreak in Texas: Health Officials Plan to Add Testing Centers to Speed Up Results
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is taking steps to combat the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas. As the number of cases continues to rise, health officials are looking to add testing centers to speed up the process of confirming measles diagnoses.
Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas County’s Department of Health and Human Services, stated that the department could add local testing centers if measles cases surge in North Texas. The West Texas outbreak has already neared 200 cases, and with rising numbers in Texas and other states, Huang emphasized the importance of increasing outreach to local school districts and private schools to offer vaccination clinics.
Vaccination Efforts
The health department has been working to reach out to school districts and private schools with low vaccination rates to offer information on the vaccine and resources to host a vaccination clinic. Huang noted that the department could host more clinics if measles begins to spread in North Texas.
In Tarrant County, Dr. Brian Byrd, director of the county’s public health department, plans to add testing capabilities to its public health lab, which supports 33 counties in West and North Texas. This move comes after a request from the Texas Department of State Health Services to add measles PCR testing to its lab.
Measles Testing Centers
Byrd explained that the testing center would be available within the next four to five weeks, and its primary purpose would be to confirm measles cases from samples sent in by physicians who suspect a patient of having the disease. The center would not be available for walk-in testing. By having a testing center available locally, Byrd stated that samples could be returned within the same day, compared to five to seven days if sent to a private lab or two days if sent to the state.
Measles Prevention
Measles was almost eradicated 20 years ago, and the North Texas Regional Lab currently lacks the capacity to test for measles. Byrd emphasized that adding the testing center is crucial to combat the outbreak. Both Huang and Byrd stressed that their health departments have plans in place should measles begin to spread.
Vaccination Information
Measles vaccines are available to anyone who does not have the vaccine and may want it through the health department. Those interested can contact the health department to set up an appointment. The vaccine is given in two doses.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the measles vaccine is the only way to effectively prevent the virus. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is over 95% effective in preventing infection, and prevents the spread of the virus when more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, creating a herd immunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation with measles in Texas?
A: The West Texas outbreak has neared 200 cases, and there are rising numbers in Texas and other states.
Q: What are the plans to combat the outbreak?
A: Health officials are looking to add testing centers to speed up the process of confirming measles diagnoses, and vaccination efforts are underway to reach out to school districts and private schools with low vaccination rates.
Q: Is the measles vaccine available in Dallas and Tarrant counties?
A: Yes, measles vaccines are available to anyone who does not have the vaccine and may want it through the health department.
Q: How effective is the measles vaccine?
A: The measles vaccine is the only way to effectively prevent the virus, and it is over 95% effective in preventing infection.
