An increasing number of people in Texas are being diagnosed with measles. In Texas and a nearby New Mexico county, there have been 99 recently confirmed cases and more are suspected. There are multiple health departments in central and west-central Texas that are now investigating possible exposures, two of which have happened at Texas State University in San Marcos and University of Texas at San Antonio, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). One measles patient is also known to have visited tourist attractions and a travel plaza.
Measles is caused by a virus, and it is one of the most infections diseases known to humankind. It can be released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the virus can survive in the air for two hours. It's thought that nine of ten people who are exposed to a person with measles will get sick. Vaccination is the best preventive measure.
Prior to common vaccination after release of the measles vaccine in 1963, there were major measles epidemics about every two or three years, which led to an estimated 2.6 million deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization.
The current Texas outbreak was initially confirmed in January by TDSHS. Additional cases were announced on February 5; and on February 21, another 32 confirmed measles cases were announced, bringing the total to 90 cases in the state. Of these patients, only five have definitely been vaccinated, while the remainder are not vaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown.
There are seven affected counties. The majority have happened in Gaines County, which is home to a large Mennonite community, and low vaccination rates. But in the latest update, measles cases have also now arisen in Ector and Yoakum counties.
"While this news is concerning, it is important to note that our counties have a very high vaccination rate and that the MMR [measles, mumps, and rubella] vaccine is 97% effective in preventing the disease with two doses given, and 93% effective with one dose given," said Melissa Bundy, the chief executive officer of the Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District in Texas.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDH) has also recorded nine measles cases. While a link to the Texas outbreak is suspected, it has not yet been confirmed.
"Because measles is so contagious, additional cases are likely to occur in Lea County and the surrounding communities," NMDH noted.
Symptoms of measles can include coughing, watery eyes, runny nose, and small white spots inside the cheeks. Serious complications can include ear infections, breathing problems, brain swelling, blindness, and death. These complications are more common in children under 5 and adults over 30.
