The spread of measles in Texas has been on everyone’s mind since the first case showed up in Gaines County. This week, we’ve had three developments, all of which are trouble.
First, measles may have spread from west Texas to central Texas, specifically San Antonio. Someone from Gaines County toured UT San Antonio and ate and hung out at locations in town. I found this out just after we got back from Austin; the number of times we took day trips down there when we lived in Austin has been much on our minds this week. Health authorities think the possible contact got measles after the San Antonio trip but they’re being proactive.
Second, tragically, one of the unvaccinated kids in the Gaines County outbreak has died. It’s the first measles death in a decade. Unfortunately it’s probably not going to be the last.
Third, and most relevant for Dallas area folks, we now have a confirmed measles case in Rockwall County, on the eastern end of the Metroplex. It’s not believed to be connected to the Gaines County cases, either.
Measles is highly contagious. If you’re not vaccinated, get to your doctor or health clinic. Older folks should also check with their doctors about being boosted; in the 1970s and 1980s doctors only gave one MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine and now the schedule calls for two doses. I already had a message in the system to my GP about possibly getting a booster. I’ll be elevating that to a phone call when the office opens.
Sources:
- DMN: Texas measles warning for Central Texas. Here’s what you need to know.
- KERA: Measles warnings issued in San Antonio and San Marcos as Texas outbreak spreads.
- DMN: Unvaccinated school-aged child died in the West Texas measles outbreak.
- AP: Measles cases continue to rise in rural parts of West Texas, with 124 confirmed.
- AP: A Texas child who was not vaccinated has died of measles, a first for the US in a decade.
- Dallas Observer: UPDATE: Measles Case in North Texas, First Measles Death Reported in West Texas
- KERA: Measles case confirmed in Rockwall County.
- Texas Tribune: West Texas measles cases rise to 124. Here is what you need to know.
- NBC: As Texas measles outbreak grows, parents are choosing to vaccinate kids.
- Fort Worth Report: Why Tarrant County health officials want residents to be vigilant about measles.