As measles cases continue to increase throughout Texas, Lone Star Circle of Care is closely monitoring the situation. We are staying in close contact with local and state health officials. Measles is a highly contagious childhood infection caused by a virus, but it is also preventable with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses. As of this writing, Texas DSHS has confirmed at least 198 cases, most of which are in individuals ages 19 and under. 23 of these cases have led to hospitalization, and tragically, one unvaccinated child has died. The most recent confirmed case in Austin, TX, linked to international travel, involved an unvaccinated child and was reported in late February. We encourage everyone to check the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website for the latest updates and visit your nearest Lone Star Circle of Care family medicine or pediatric clinic for the MMR vaccine.
Who is at Risk:
People at high risk for complications include:
- Infants and children aged <5 years
- Adults aged >20 years
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems, such as from leukemia and HIV infection
More information regarding measles can be found here.
Symptoms of Measles Include, but are Not Limited to:
- High fever
- Persistent cough
- Red eyes, watery eyes
- Rash – rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
- Body aches
According to the CDC, the incubation period is typically 11–12 days from exposure to measles virus until the first symptoms appear (prodromal symptoms). A rash follows the prodromal symptoms 2–4 days later and usually lasts 5–6 days. Measles is infectious 4 days before and 4 days after rash onset.
Get Vaccinated
Texas health officials urge everyone who is unvaccinated to get the MMR vaccine. Preventing the spread of measles is vital to protecting our community. There are no medications or antivirals to treat someone who has measles. For severe illness including respiratory distress/pneumonia, seizures or other neurologic complications that may require a higher level of care, and as with other illnesses, if there is a concern for a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
You can visit our family medicine and pediatric clinic locations to receive the MMR vaccine. Visit our website for a list of clinic locations.
Steps We Are Taking to Safeguard Our Community
- We screen ALL patients for measles exposure, travel history, and vaccination status when scheduling appointments.
- Telehealth visits are available for patients suspected of having measles. We are not scheduling in-person appointments for those at risk.
- If a patient with a suspected measles case does arrive at our clinics, we follow strict protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and thorough cleaning of exam rooms for at least two hours.
- Please note that we are NOT testing individuals for measles.
We urge everyone to stay informed and follow health recommendations to help prevent the spread of measles. If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to schedule your vaccination.
If you are unsure if they have had the MMR vaccine, you can review your vaccine records in your patient portal, or you may give us a call and a representative will review your vaccine records.
Call 877-800-5722 to schedule an appointment today.
