TEXAS, USA — Measles cases continue to rise in the South Plains region of Texas.
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is reporting 124 cases as of Tuesday, Feb. 25. Gaines County – where the outbreak began in late January – bears the brunt of those cases, with 80. Other counties with cases include Dallam, Dawson, Ector, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Terry and Yoakum.
Eighteen patients have been hospitalized, according to DSHS. The department said five of the people who have tested positive for measles are vaccinated, while the rest are unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.
The outbreak is primarily affecting children and teenagers. Of the 124 total cases, 101 are patients younger than 18.
DSHS plans to continue providing updates on the outbreak every Tuesday and Thursday.
What’s the measles risk in Central Texas?
No cases of measles have been reported in Central Texas, but over the weekend, Hays County health officials warned of a possible measles exposure after a person who tested positive for the illness visited San Marcos on Feb. 14.
The Hays County Health Department said a Gaines County resident who tested positive for measles was in San Marcos from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. that Friday. People who were at Texas State University from approximately 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and at Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles, according to health officials.
The DSHS said the same individual also visited the University of Texas-San Antonio campus on Feb. 15, as well as several locations on the River Walk and Mr. Crabby’s Seafood in Live Oak. The next day, they stopped at the Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels.
How to prevent the spread of measles
Health officials urge anyone who is unvaccinated to get the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, which is extremely contagious.
Health officials are urging parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations, especially as the spring break season approaches and families may travel to affected areas.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left.
An infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. If other people breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.
Anyone with any symptoms is asked to contact their primary care provider, urgent care or an emergency room to set up an appointment and quarantine for four days after the onset of a rash. Do not go to a doctor’s office in person to avoid spreading the illness.
Common symptoms of measles include:
- High fever (as high as 105 degrees)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin
- Rash three to five days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body