A measles outbreak in Texas is growing rapidly, with 48 cases confirmed in the past three weeks and over a dozen people hospitalized. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) warned that the majority of cases involve school-aged children in Gaines County. Unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status are most at risk.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be life-threatening, according to DSHS. It can spread through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear within a week or two and include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and flat, red spots on the face that spread down the body.
Those who suspect they may have measles or been exposed should isolate and call their doctor before testing. The best way to prevent infection is through receiving two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. As cases continue to rise, officials urge caution and remind that the disease can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/us/measles-outbreak-continues-texas-cases-double-investigation-underway