There are things you need to know about measles symptoms, spread, and vaccines
Measles cases are on the rise. Here’s how measles is spreading, its symptoms and what you need to know about the MMR vaccine:
Texas health officials reported Friday morning that 146 measles cases have been identified in the state since the outbreak began in late January, with one child dead.
The measles incident has affected nine counties in the South Plains and the Panhandle area, with measles-related deaths occurring in Lubbock, according to the Texas Department of State Health Department.
This has led Lubbock City health officials to hold a press conference on Friday morning to address questions from the media.
“Measles is very contagious and the most important thing for the community is that most of us are not really affected by this,” said Katherine Wells, director of Lubbock Public Health. “Perhaps 90% of our community are vaccinated.”
But Wells said people who have not been vaccinated are at risk of contracting the virus, urging them to consider receiving the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Lubbock Public Health – the City of Lubbock and Lubbock County Health Department – is holding free vaccine clinicals at Lubbock’s 2015 50th St. office location.
“Yesterday, our clinic here vaccinated more than 50 children, but in reality, 11 of them had been exempt before,” Wells said. “So parents can go through the Texas process and send their kids to school without that vaccination. And we see those parents come in and provide that vaccine. This is a really good sign.”
Dr. Ron Cook, Lubbock’s Community Health Authority, said the MMR vaccine has been around for decades and can be safely received, with millions of doses being given during that time.
Cook also said measles affects people in many ways and there is no way to see if someone will be hospitalized by it.
“If you have the flu, there is Tamiflu to shorten the illness. There are Pax Rovids that can help shorten the illness if you take COVID,” Cook said. “This disease is not antiviral, so that’s what we call supportive care.”
That is, when someone is hospitalized, doctors will help reduce the symptoms of measles by administering IV for dehydration, if an individual develops pneumonia and medication to reduce fever, by administering antibiotics, antibiotics.
However, Cook said measles has some serious consequences, including death.
“You have encephalitis or encephalitis. It’s about one in every 1,000 cases, even rarer, but it can happen,” Cook said. “After developing measles, we can get what is called fatal subacute sclerosing pan encephalitis, in relation to the future this year.”
As of February 28th, Lubbock had two cases of measles, and Lubbock Public Health has issued warnings to local Walmart and community members who may have been exposed to Target.
Overall, both Wells and Cook said that measles is very infectious and that the public should check if they show symptoms and consider taking the vaccine.
Who should or shouldn’t get the MMR vaccine?
Cook said children under the age of one are not eligible to receive the vaccine. However, if they are exposed, doctors can administer the vaccine to children over six months old.
“Our immunocompromised people are at risk too,” Cook said. “People taking immunosuppressants that cannot take a live vaccine, and those taking immunosuppressants for organ transplantation.”
Some may have natural immunity from measles without getting the virus, but Cook said he would not take that risk and encouraged those individuals to take the vaccine.
Cook said that the only individuals who do not need the vaccine are those who have already received two recommended doses of the MMR vaccine or who have already received measles.
However, Cook also warned the public not to host the “measles party.” This is an event in which an individual exposes himself or unvaccinated adults and children to become immune to measles.
“We can’t choose who will do well when you get seriously ill,” Cook said. “Don’t do that. That’s stupidity. It’s playing roulette.”
However, if an individual doubts whether they have been vaccinated, there are two options.
“We’ll have our primary care provider do a blood test to see if they’re immune or simply receive another vaccine,” Cook said.
What are the symptoms of measles?
According to Cook, the incubation period for measles is 7-14 days, and is contagious before and after the red rash, a distinctive sign of measles.
However, when an individual begins to show symptoms, it is usually the following method:
High fever – 103-104.cough.runny nose.inflammation in the Eyes.koplic spots – White pain in the mouth. Red Rash – Usually starts on the head and proceeds with that method.
“If you’re exposed, stay home,” Cook said. “If you’re not sure, stay home and take the test. If you have symptoms, take the test.”
Mateo Rosiles is a government and public policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Did you get news tips for him? Email him at mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.
