DSHS alerts clinicians, public about Montgomery County measles outbreak

The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert after four cases of measles were reported last week in unvaccinated residents of Montgomery County. The individuals, members of the same family, were infected after a person with measles traveled to Texas from out of state.

Because measles is so contagious, additional cases could occur among unvaccinated people in the area. DSHS is encouraging health care professionals and the public to remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of measles and to take steps to make sure they are protected from it.

Vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. It protects more than 97% of people who have gotten two doses. The vaccine is readily available through the health care system, including free and low-cost options for people who qualify via the Texas Vaccines for Children program. Pharmacists can administer it without a prescription to people 14 years of age and older and with a prescription to children 13 and under.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing or simply being near someone infected. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making it easy to contract in shared spaces.

Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after someone is exposed and usually begin with high fever, cough, runny nose and/or red, watery eyes. After a few days, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People who may have measles should stay home during that period.

If you think you've been exposed to measles, contact your healthcare provider by phone before going to their office to arrange testing in a way that minimizes exposure to others.

In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, or even death. Someone with measles should seek emergency care if they develop difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, weakness, confusion, decreased alertness, or other unexplained changes in behavior. In young children, a blue color around the mouth, crying without making tears, severe loss of appetite, or unusually low energy are signs immediate medical care is needed.

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(News Media Contact: Chris Van Deusen, Director of Media Relations, 512-776-7119)