HOUSTON — Health officials are urging Texans to get vaccinated for the measles and they say it’s just a matter of time before the West Texas outbreak spreads to other areas.
With spring break and big events like RodeoHouston coming up, experts say you don’t need to worry as long as you’ve had the vaccine. Adults who were vaccinated before 1968 may need a booster.
“We do have the rodeo coming up and we have spring break and travel into Harris County. We don’t want to be the next episode towards measles,” County Judge Lina Hidalgo said.
Big crowds are already gathering at NRG tonight and this weekend for the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. Hundreds of people will pack downtown for the Rodeo Parade Saturday morning. And the three-week Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off on Tuesday, March 4.
“Don’t change your plans. We don’t want people canceling, for the simple reason that it’s not like COVID,” said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development. “We have a very effective vaccine. A single dose is more than 90 percent protective.”
The rodeo released the following statement Thursday afternoon.
“The Rodeo is aware of the measles outbreak in West Texas and is closely monitoring the situation with the Houston Health Department. For those that are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, measles, flu and even the common cold are illnesses that need to be considered,” HLSR said. “Those that have health concerns may want to consider whether attending any large event is right for you. We look forward to a safe 2025 Rodeo.”
One Wednesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the first measles death of a school-age child in Lubbock who was not vaccinated.
There are at least 124 confirmed cases in nine West Texas counties. That number is expected to be higher when DSHS releases its bi-weekly update on Friday.