Measles Outbreak Spreads to Dallas-Fort Worth Area
The measles outbreak that began in Gaines County has officially reached the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with two cases now linked to the outbreak.
One measles case in Collin County and one case in Rockwall County are now included in the outbreak numbers, according to a Tuesday update from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Measles Cases in Dallas-Fort Worth
State officials have publicly reported seven measles cases in Dallas-Fort Worth this year. Until Tuesday, none of them had been linked to the larger outbreak.
In addition to the two cases now connected to the outbreak, the state public health department has listed five Dallas-Fort Worth measles cases as “not associated” with the outbreak.
D-FW Public Health Alerts
An additional measles case reported in Denton County has not been included in the state’s measles updates.
Outbreak Update
Texas has reported 717 outbreak cases since January. However, less than 1% of those cases are currently infectious, state officials said Tuesday.
The outbreak has also led to cases in New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Related: Texas has an ongoing measles outbreak. Here’s everything you need to know about the virus
Cases in New Mexico and Oklahoma
In their Tuesday updates, neither New Mexico nor Oklahoma reported any additional measles cases since Friday. New Mexico had reported 71 cases and Oklahoma had reported 17 cases.
Across the three states, there have been 805 reported cases in the outbreak.
Impact of the Outbreak
Across Texas, 93 people have been hospitalized in the outbreak. Two children in Texas have died. Both children were unvaccinated and did not have underlying health conditions, according to Texas officials.
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 measles.
Due to widespread vaccine uptake, measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. Since then, there have still been outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates.
Vaccination Recommendations
The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age. People who are pregnant or immunocompromised are not recommended to take the vaccine.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Texas and surrounding states is a serious public health concern. It is essential for individuals to get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, we can work together to control the outbreak and protect our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is measles?
A: Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people.
Q: How is measles prevented?
A: The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.
Q: Who should get vaccinated?
A: The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age. People who are pregnant or immunocompromised are not recommended to take the vaccine.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Q: How can I protect myself and my community?
A: Get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with individuals who have been infected. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent the spread of measles and protect your community.
