Measles Outbreak in Texas: A Growing Concern
Health officials have confirmed two measles cases in Tarrant County, the first cases reported in the county this year.
Related: Texas measles outbreak nears 700 cases, but D-FW cases listed as not related
Recent Cases in Tarrant County
Tarrant County Public Health officials announced the cases late Friday evening. The two patients are “household members,” according to the announcement, and both are unvaccinated. One is a child and one is an adult.
Health officials have not yet determined where the two county residents caught the illness. Because of that, it is unclear whether the cases are connected to the ongoing outbreak that began in Gaines County.
Public Health Alerts
D-FW Public Health Alerts
County health officials said the two patients visited the emergency room at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center while they were contagious. People who were at the emergency room from 8 p.m. on April 29 through 3 a.m. on April 30 may have been exposed to the virus, according to the announcement.
Related: ‘Get the vaccine’: North Texas couple reflects on having measles as children decades ago
Potential Exposure and Investigation
Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms until May 20. Public Health officials are investigating more potential exposure sites, according to the announcement.
Measles Cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area
The two Tarrant County cases join a handful of measles cases reported in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this year.
Related: Texas has an ongoing measles outbreak. Here’s everything you need to know about the virus
Officials reported a measles case in Denton County earlier this week. Collin County has also reported a case, and Rockwall County has reported two cases.
None of the Dallas-Fort Worth cases have been officially tied to the ongoing outbreak that began in West Texas.
State Health Department Classification
The Texas Department of State Health Services has listed the cases in Collin and Rockwall counties as separate from the outbreak. The department has not yet classified the Denton County case.
Measles Outbreak in Texas
Since January, the measles outbreak has grown to 683 cases in Texas, plus more in New Mexico and Oklahoma.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people. The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing illness.
Vaccination Recommendations
Measles vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months old. People who are pregnant or immunocompromised are not advised to take the vaccine.
History of Measles in the US
Due to widespread vaccination, measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.
There have still been outbreaks and cases since then in communities with low vaccination rates. Texas’ large outbreak, however, may threaten the country’s elimination status.
Conclusion
The recent measles cases in Tarrant County and the ongoing outbreak in Texas highlight the importance of vaccination and public health awareness. It is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the outbreak to prevent further spread of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
Q: How is measles spread?
A: Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces that have the virus on them.
Q: Is the measles vaccine effective?
A: Yes, the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing illness.
Q: Who should get vaccinated against measles?
A: Measles vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months old. People who are pregnant or immunocompromised are not advised to take the vaccine.
Q: What should I do if I think I have been exposed to measles?
A: If you think you have been exposed to measles, you should monitor yourself for symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms.
