A measles outbreak in Texas has affected school-aged children, with several requiring hospitalization.
According to Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials, the outbreak is occurring in Gaines County, Fox News reported on Monday.
Out of the 10 reported cases—all unvaccinated—eight are children, including two under the age of five.
The DSHS explains that measles is highly contagious, spreading through nose and throat mucus of infected individuals. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, virus-laden droplets become airborne and can infect those nearby.
Measles is so infectious that 90% of unvaccinated individuals close to an infected person will likely contract the virus. The virus can also survive in the air for up to two hours, making indirect transmission possible through contaminated surfaces.
Measles initially presents with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. Within days, small white spots (Koplik’s spots) may appear inside the mouth, followed by a red or brown-colored rash beginning at the face or hairline, often accompanied by a spike in fever.
The Fox News report notes that health agencies had declared measles eliminated in 2000, yet cases have been on the rise. Texas health officials warn that more cases are likely in Gaines County and surrounding areas.
The DSHS emphasizes that vaccination is the best protection against measles and other preventable diseases.
In April, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urged the public to get vaccinated as measles cases increased nationwide, Breitbart News reported. The following month, a CDC report linked 84% of Chicago’s recent measles cases to the surge of illegal immigrants from Venezuela.
