Texas issues a measles alert after reporting six cases in past month
The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a health alert and is urging immunization against measles after reporting six cases in the past month.
Health officials say for the year to date, there has been 11 cases reported in the state. This compares with no measles cases reported in 2012 and six cases in 2011.
State health officials are asking health care providers to be on alert for potential exposures and patients with measles symptoms, particularly in the North Texas area. The six most recently confirmed cases are from Tarrant County.
Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Other symptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.
The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.
State health officials urge immunization to protect against and prevent the spread of measles. People should check their immunization status with their health care provider.
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