Measles Outbreak in Texas: What You Need to Know About the Contagious Disease

Image credits: Antonio Perez—Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service/Getty Images

The largest measles outbreak in decades has reached San Antonio and San Marcos, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Officials say an individual who tested positive for the virus in West Texas traveled to two major universities and one of the nation's busiest tourist attractions — the San Antonio River Walk. This has led to a possible exposure of the disease to numerous people, and health officials are urging those who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms. The individual lives in Gaines County, which is the epicenter of the West Texas measles outbreak that has produced at least 90 confirmed cases of the highly contagious infectious disease — the worst measles outbreak in 30 years.

Gaines County had the highest unvaccinated rate in the state this school year at 18 percent, according to state health data. Measles was declared eradicated in the United States in 2000, achieved through a successful vaccination program that ensured high levels of immunity in the population. However, the current outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination and the need for individuals to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations to protect themselves and those around them. Public Health recommends those who may have been exposed take the necessary precautions, including reviewing their vaccination status and seeking medical advice if they suspect exposure.

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left. Common symptoms for measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective.

The spread of measles can be prevented if two-dose coverage of vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community. Here are some key points to note about the measles vaccine: * The vaccine is both safe and effective * Two doses are 97% effective against measles * The vaccine may cause some side effects, but these are typically mild and resolve on their own * Most people who get the MMR or MMRV vaccines will be protected against measles for the rest of their lives * Some vaccinated people could still get the measles, mumps or rubella if they get exposed to the viruses that cause the diseases. The CDC recommends that people get the MMR or MMRV vaccine, and schools typically require children to get vaccinated, although some states offer some exemptions, including for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons.

More than twenty years ago, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. High vaccination rates against measles, mumps, and rubella were widely credited as making the diseases significantly less common in America. Now, the CDC reports that measles cases and outbreaks are on the rise, occurring in every region of the world, and that U.S. MMR vaccination rates have been declining since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential for individuals to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this preventable disease. By reviewing their vaccination status and seeking medical advice if they suspect exposure, individuals can protect themselves and those around them from the highly contagious and infectious disease.