2 new North Texas measles instances now linked to West Texas outbreak

Two new confirmed measles instances in Collin and Rockwall counties have been related with an outbreak that began in Gaines County earlier this yr — marking the primary native instances linked to West Texas, the Texas Division of State Well being Providers revealed Tuesday.

The brand new instances are separate from the opposite two beforehand reported by Rockwall County and Collin County well being officers this yr, which have been brought on by worldwide journey, a Texas Division of State Well being Providers spokesperson confirmed to KERA Information Tuesday.

Well being officers have additionally reported unassociated instances in Tarrant and Denton counties.

There are a complete of 717 confirmed instances linked to the West Texas outbreak since late January, eight of which have been added previously week.

Ninety-three folks have been hospitalized and a minimum of two kids have died.

Lower than one %, or fewer than 10 of the confirmed instances, are thought of “actively infectious,” in accordance with TDSHS.

Measles is very contagious and can lead to critical issues like pneumonia, mind irritation and listening to loss.

Vaccination is the simplest prevention in opposition to measles. Individuals who have had two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccination are at low threat of contracting the illness, which might result in pneumonia, extreme mind swelling and dying.

The CDC recommends kids obtain their first vaccination after they’re 12-15 months previous. The second dose is advisable for youngsters between ages 4 and 6. Older kids, teenagers and adults can obtain their first and second doses a minimum of 28 days aside.

Signs embrace excessive fever, runny nostril, crimson or watery eyes, white spots contained in the mouth, coughing or a rash that exhibits up three to 5 days after signs start.

Penelope Rivera is KERA’s breaking information reporter. Received a tip? Electronic mail Penelope Rivera at privera@kera.org.

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