Measles- a deadly, preventable disease is surging in Texas- find out where it’s spreading, who's at risk, and how to protect yourself.
Highlights:
There is a measles outbreak, primarily in West Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (1✔ ✔Trusted Source- Measles is highly contagious for 8 days- starting 4 days before the rash appears
- Texas has confirmed 597 measles cases with 62 hospitalizations and 2 deaths
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and its complications
Measles Outbreak - April 18, 2025
Go to source). Since late January, 597 cases have been confirmed to date. According to the April 15 update, there has been a 36-fold rise in the number of cases. Less than 30 of the verified cases, or 4% of the total, are thought to be actively contagious because the rash started less than a week ago.
Measles
Measles is a viral infection with symptoms of fever,and rashes. Measles is prevented by vaccination and staying away from the infected individuals.
Measles is a viral infection with symptoms of fever,and rashes. Measles is prevented by vaccination and staying away from the infected individuals.
‘Did you know?
Measles virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours- meaning you can catch it without even seeing the infected person! #measlesfacts #texasoutbreak #mmrsaveslives #medindia’
Measles virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours- meaning you can catch it without even seeing the infected person! #measlesfacts #texasoutbreak #mmrsaveslives #medindia’
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How Long a Person with Measles is Contagious?
A person infected with measles is highly contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after its onset. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for hours. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward (2✔ ✔Trusted SourceMeasles
Go to source).
Measles can lead to complications like pneumonia, diarrhea, ear infections, and brain inflammation (encephalitis), especially in young children, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. Most cases can be managed at home with supportive care like hydration, rest, and fever control, but severe cases may require hospitalization. Vaccination (MMR vaccine) is the most effective way to prevent measles and its spread.
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Measles Resurgence: Tackling Viral Outbreak
As compared to previous years, India's capital has seen a sharp increase in measles cases, with 543 cases reported in 2022.
As compared to previous years, India's capital has seen a sharp increase in measles cases, with 543 cases reported in 2022.
Hospitalization Rates Amid the Measles Outbreak
Of the patients, sixty-two have been admitted to the hospital. This figure represents the overall number of patients admitted to hospitals during the outbreak. It's not the hospital's current patient count.Two youngsters of school age who resided in the outbreak area have died. The youngsters had no known underlying medical issues and were not vaccinated.
Why is There a Measles Outbreak Among Children in India
To protect children and stop measles outbreaks, even high coverage with a single dose of the measles vaccine proved to be insufficient.
To protect children and stop measles outbreaks, even high coverage with a single dose of the measles vaccine proved to be insufficient.
Counties Affected Due to Measles Outbreak
More cases are expected to arise in the outbreak location and the nearby towns because of how contagious this disease is. According to the latest statistics, Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum are the designated outbreak counties where measles transmission is still occurring, according to DSHS (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceMeasles Outbreak - April 18, 2025
Go to source).
In order to look into the outbreak, DSHS is collaborating with regional health agencies.
References:
- Measles Outbreak - April 18, 2025 - (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025)
- Measles - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448068/)
Source-Medindia
Measles Vaccine Offers Protection Against The COVID-19 Pandemic
Measles vaccine may offer up to 87.5% protection in children against the COVID-19 virus. Hence children immunized with a measles vaccine schedule may show a milder rate of COVID-19 infection
Measles vaccine may offer up to 87.5% protection in children against the COVID-19 virus. Hence children immunized with a measles vaccine schedule may show a milder rate of COVID-19 infection
