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Texas confirms growing measles outbreak affecting school-aged children
Officials at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) warn there is a growing measles outbreak involving school-aged children.
The report said that 10 cases have been identified in Gaines County and eight of the cases are school-aged children, of which two are under the age of 5.
All were unvaccinated cases, said officials.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities,” the alert said.
Seven of the cases have been hospitalized, according to the Texas DSHS.
The measles rash is seen on the body of the child above. (iStock)
The rise in cases comes more than two decades after measles was reported eliminated by health agencies in 2000.
This week’s alert went on to advise that additional cases are likely to occur soon.
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“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities,” they said.
Measles concept. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne and spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. (iStock)
Officials urged people to immediately report any suspected cases to their local health department with the infected person in their presence.
DSHS said the virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne and spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. They also warned that the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
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Vaccination is the best way for people to avoid infection from measles and other preventable diseases, the advisory said.
“Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus,” DSHS said.
The CDC on Thursday, April 11, 2024 released a report on recent measles case trends, noting that cases in the first three months of this year were 17 times higher than the average number seen in the first three months of the previous three years. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
The report claims that each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness if infected.
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“DSHS and CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend children receive one dose of MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years. Each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and severity of illness if infected. Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus,” according to their reports.
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In January, the Houston Health Department confirmed two cases of measles, prompting a health alert from the state. They were the first cases in Texas since 2023.
Both cases were unvaccinated adults who had traveled internationally.
In recent news, Texas health officials have confirmed a growing measles outbreak that is affecting school-aged children. The outbreak has been linked to unvaccinated individuals and is causing concern among parents and educators.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.
Health officials are urging parents to make sure their children are up to date on their measles vaccinations to help prevent the spread of the virus. Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles and other preventable diseases.
Schools in the affected areas are taking precautions to prevent further spread of the virus, including increased cleaning and disinfection measures. Parents are being advised to keep their children home if they are showing any symptoms of measles and to seek medical attention if needed.
It is important for everyone to stay informed about the measles outbreak and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.
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