Officials with the Texas Department of State (DSHS) have warned that the outbreak of measles involving school-age children is on the rise.
The report states that 10 cases have been identified in Gaines County, with eight cases being school-aged children, two of which were under five years of age.
“The highly contagious nature of the disease makes it likely that additional cases will occur in Gaines County and surrounding communities,” Alert said.
According to the hospital, seven cases have been hospitalized. Texas DSHS.
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Viral disease. Measles rashes are rashes on children's bodies. allergy. (istock)
The rise in cases has been happening for more than 20 years since medical institutions reported that measles was eliminated in 2000.
This week's alert continued to advise that additional cases are likely to occur soon.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, there is a high possibility that additional cases will occur in Gaines County and surrounding communities,” they said.
Concept of measles as a fatal outbreak, disease, viral disease, in 3D illustration style, as a contagious chicken pox or skin rash. (Photo: istock) (istock)
Authorities urged people to report suspected cases immediately to the local health department, urging people to be infected in their presence.
DSHS said that in direct contact with infectious droplets or air, it can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. They also warned that the virus would remain infected in the air for up to two hours after the infected person left the area.
Vaccination is the best way for people to avoid infection from measles and other preventable diseases, the advisory said.
“Children that are too young to be vaccinated are more likely to experience severe complications when they contract the measles virus,” DSHS said.
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On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the CDC released a report on recent trends in measles cases. It said cases in the first three months of this year are 17 times the average number seen in the first three months of the past three years. (ap photo/seth wenig, file)
The report argues that each MMR dose reduces the risk of infection and the severity of the disease if it is infected.
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“The Advisory Committee on DSHS and CDC Vaccination Practices (ACIP) recommends that children receive one MMR vaccine at 12-15 months old and another dose at 4-6 years old. They report that children who are too young to be vaccinated are more likely to experience severe complications if they contract the measles virus.
In January, the Houston Health Department confirmed two cases of measles, prompting a health warning from the state. They were the first cases in Texas since 2023. In both cases, they were adults who had not been vaccinated and traveled internationally.
