HARRIS COUNTY (KIAH) — Harris County Public Health (HCPH) Is looking into a verified case of measles affecting a child in northwest Harris County. This child hasn't traveled recently, and their personal information won't be disclosed. Authorities are tracing individuals who might have been exposed.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is carrying out additional verification, which is a routine process. "HCPH is concurrently performing an extensive contact tracing investigation to determine if there were any individuals who might have had close contact with the child," officials stated in a release made public on Thursday night.
In the meantime, HCPH is asking parents to make sure their children have received all necessary vaccines. They're emphasizing that "measles is extremely infectious yet can be readily prevented through the administration of the MMR vaccine."
Dr. Ericka Brown, the Regional Health Officer at HCPH
Authorities stated that this marks the first recorded instance of measles in unincorporated Harris County since 2019, with 422 measles cases documented statewide in Texas so far this year, as per DSHS reports.
Important Facts You Should Know About Measles
Measles can be transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. This poses particular risks for younger children.
Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Runny nose & cough
- Red, watery eyes
- A rash shows up 3 to 5 days following the onset of symptoms.
Measles is highly infectious, with up to nine out of every ten unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with it getting ill. Approximately one in four persons who contract measles might require hospitalization.
How to Protect Yourself
The CDC suggests receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine:
- The first dose should be administered between 12 and 15 months of age.
- Second dosage between 4-6 years
Should you or your kid exhibit signs of measles, reach out to your healthcare provider. For booking a vaccination appointment at an HCPH clinic, dial (832) 927-7350 or drop by their location. HCPH website .
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