Measles Outbreak in Texas

Local health officials have reported a measles case in Rockwall County, possibly connected to the West Texas outbreak. The county’s health authority on Tuesday issued a public health alert about the confirmed case. The illness was confirmed in an adult who recently traveled to West Texas, according to the health alert. The case was reported last week, the alert said, and the person has recovered and is no longer contagious.

The individual remained at home for most of the contagious period, and anyone who may have been exposed has already been contacted by health officials. Rockwall County is in North Texas, about 30 miles northeast of Dallas.

The measles case is the second reported in Rockwall County this year. However, the first case was not connected to the ongoing outbreak that began in West Texas. That means Tuesday marks the first time a county in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has reported a measles case that could be connected to the West Texas outbreak.

The Rockwall case has not shown up in the statewide measles updates, which the Texas Department of State Health Services releases on Tuesdays and Fridays. The ongoing measles outbreak, which began in Gaines County in January, has spread to over 600 cases across three states.

What We Know About the Rockwall County Case

Dr. Dirk Perritt, an emergency room physician and the Rockwall County Health Authority, said in a phone interview Wednesday that state officials had fully briefed him on the county’s measles case. The infected person, who has not been identified, recently traveled to and flew back from West Texas, Perritt said. Because of that travel, health authorities believe the case is connected to the ongoing outbreak in West Texas.

At the time of travel, Perritt said, the person was not showing symptoms, making it unlikely that they spread the virus then. After returning to Rockwall County, the person mostly stayed at home and around family members ― although they did seek urgent medical attention.

The people who may have been exposed to the virus, mostly in the health care facility waiting rooms, have already been notified, Perritt said. The person was not admitted to the hospital for their measles symptoms, and has since recovered from the illness.

Perritt also said the person believes they were vaccinated against measles as a child, although they were not able to confirm that with their medical records. Perritt clarified that the person was not opposed to vaccination.

Measles Illness and Complications

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate about 20% of unvaccinated people who catch measles will be hospitalized. The agency further estimates that one to three out of every 1,000 children will die of the illness.

“It doesn’t seem like huge numbers that one in 1,000 will die, until it’s your child,” Perritt said. “I do think there is ongoing risk to the unvaccinated community and the risk is much less to the vaccinated community.”

The measles virus is also among the most contagious illnesses in the world, and can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people. The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for hours after an infected person has left the room, meaning that people can catch the illness without ever being in the same room as someone who is infected.

However, the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the illness. The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age. The vaccine is not recommended for people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.

Concerns and Precautions

Perritt said he is concerned that the ongoing outbreak could lead to additional cases across the state and in North Texas. “I do think that everyone should take this seriously,” Perritt said. He added that the risk of contracting measles is higher now, during an outbreak, than it was before. That might change the risk-benefit calculation for people who are not yet vaccinated or whose kids are not yet vaccinated.

“They just need to reassess the risk,” he said. Given the limited interactions with others during the potentially contagious window, Perritt said, it appears the person likely exposed only a small number of other people to the virus. There could still be some additional cases connected to those exposures, though.

Importance of Vaccination

The measles outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of illnesses. The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles, and is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age.

It is essential for individuals to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of illnesses like measles. By getting vaccinated, individuals can help prevent the spread of measles and other illnesses, and protect those who are most vulnerable, such as young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the measles outbreak in Texas is a serious public health concern that requires immediate attention. The recent case reported in Rockwall County, possibly connected to the West Texas outbreak, highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of illnesses. It is essential for individuals to stay informed, take precautions, and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of measles and other illnesses.

FAQs

Q: What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. It can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

Q: How is measles spread? Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Q: What are the symptoms of measles? The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads over the body.

Q: How can I protect myself from measles? The best way to protect yourself from measles is to get vaccinated with the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing the illness.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been exposed to measles? If you think you have been exposed to measles, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can assess your risk and provide guidance on what to do next.