Measles Information
Measles Outbreak in Texas
A measles outbreak is spreading in Texas, with cases confirmed in Houston, Gaines County, and now reaching New Mexico. The number of cases is increasing rapidly. Most of the recent cases in Texas were in unvaccinated individuals.
Due to cases in the state, it is important to stay informed and take precautions. For the latest case numbers, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.
What is Measles?
Measles (also known as rubeola) is highly contagious. Up to 90% of people who are exposed to the measles virus will become infected if they are not protected. Measles spreads through the air when a person infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours after the infected person has left the area.
Measles symptoms can take anywhere from 5 to 21 days to appear after you have been exposed. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Cough
- A rash that starts at the face and behind the ears then spreads to the rest of the body. The rash typically begins 3-5 days after other symptoms appear. NOTE: A person with measles is highly contagious before the rash appears.
In severe cases, measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), seizures, deafness, and even death.
How to protect yourself
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine provides strong protection against the measles virus. Most individuals will have received their MMR vaccination(s) during childhood.
- 1 dose = About 93% protection
- 2 doses = About 97% protection (the 2nd dose can be administered no sooner than 28 days after the 1st dose)
A booster shot is not needed if you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, you can check your childhood vaccine records.
For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control Measles Website.
FAQ
-
What to do if you feel sick or were exposed?
If you develop symptoms or have been exposed to measles:
- Stay home and isolate yourself/stay away from others.
- Current SHSU students should call the Student Health Center at 936-294-1805, your medical provider, or an urgent care clinic for guidance and further direction as there may be additional precautions necessary to prevent you from exposing others.
-
Where to get the vaccine?
- Your local pharmacy such as Walgreens, CVS, etc.
- Local health clinics
- In Walker County, the MMR vaccine for uninsured persons are available by appointment only through the Texas Department of Health by calling 936-294-2170.
- the SHSU Student Health Center does NOT provide the MMR vaccine.
-
Who should NOT get the vaccine?
Some people should avoid the MMR vaccine, including:
- Those with a severe allergy to ingredients like neomycin
- Pregnant individuals
- People with immune system issues (such as HIV or cancer treatments)
- People born before 1957 are considered naturally immune
If you are unsure whether or not you should receive the vaccine, please speak with a medical provider.
See what services the SHC has to offer and how they can help you maintain your health!
Follow our social media pages to get reminders related to
student health and find out more about what we do!