Special to the NEWS
BROWNSVILLE, TX —Cameron County Public Health is actively investigating a confirmed case of measles that was identified in a non-Cameron County resident.
According to a press release, the individual had traveled from a state with recent measles cases. It is unknown if the person was vaccinated against measles.
Cameron County Public Health officials say they are working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services to identify individuals who may have been exposed.
“A person with measles is typically contagious four days before the rash appears and four days after; thus, our investigation has determined that the individual was most infectious between April 13 and April 23, stated Esmeralda Guajardo, Cameron County Public Health Administrator.
“Unfortunately, because measles is extremely contagious, we are asking the public to remain vigilant in monitoring their health, especially among individuals who are not currently vaccinated,” Guajardo said.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or through airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
Symptoms typically begin a week or two after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a rash that usually appears as flat red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body.
An individual who believes he or she may have been exposed to someone with measles should isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider immediately, according to Guajardo.
It is important to notify the healthcare provider before arriving at the clinic for testing so that necessary precautions can be taken to prevent exposure to others of the virus.
Measles is extremely contagious and can cause life-threatening illness in anyone who is not protected against the virus, according to the media release.
The best way to prevent measles is to receive two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, Guajardo said.
The two doses of the MMR vaccine have been shown to prevent 97 percent of measles cases. Some vaccinated people can occasionally develop measles; however, they generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to others.
Vaccination also helps protect those vulnerable to severe measles, including children who are too young to be vaccinated.
Cameron County Public Health officials recommend that children receive one dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years of age.
According to the press statement, Cameron County Public Health will continue its surveillance activities and provide any new information on measles cases in the area as it becomes available.
Confirmed or suspected cases of measles should be reported to Cameron County Public Health immediately by calling (956) 247-3650.
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