Mid City Times

The Texas Department of State Health Services has announced a measles outbreak in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas. Measles is a viral infection that can lead to severe illness, especially in individuals who have not been vaccinated. The disease can be prevented through the administration of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles symptoms begin with cough, runny nose, and red eyes and often progress to a rash and fever above 101°F. "If you think you have measles, get medical care," officials recommend. "Symptoms can become worse over time, complications can develop, and measles can be deadly if you don’t receive appropriate care." For individuals exhibiting symptoms, it is crucial to inform the emergency room so they can prepare for the arrival of a measles patient separately from others.

A person is contagious roughly four days before the rash appears and remains so for four days after. Those infected should stay at home during this period to prevent spreading the virus. The highly infectious nature of measles results in a 90% infection rate among close contacts who are not immune.

Vaccination is the most effective preventative measure against measles, with the MMR vaccine preventing more than 97% of infections. The vaccine is typically administered in two doses.