As measles cases sky-rocket in West Texas, prompting over 16 hospitalizations, Austin's health authorities are amplifying their call for vaccinations. According to CBS Austin, the outbreak, now totaling 90 reported cases, has seeped into Hays County, first rearing its head in San Marcos and at Texas State University. Dr. Desmar Walkes, Medical Director for Austin/Travis County, pinpointed the contagious nature of measles, particularly highlighting its severe impact on unvaccinated individuals.
"They should take the proper measures in protecting themselves, maybe have a second thought about getting immunized," local Austin resident Chephireh Carter told CBS Austin, underscoring the community's growing unease. Furthermore, with Travis County having been spared so far, health experts warn its mere a matter of time before the measles make their presence felt. "We know that vaccines work. We know they're safe. Now's the time to go get vaccinated," Dr. Walkes said.
On the other side of town, the Austin medical community has echoed similar sentiments in light of the alarming measles surge. Out of those in West Texas grappling with the condition, only five were vaccinated, KUT reported. With a two-dose MMR vaccine regimen promising 97% efficacy, according to the CDC, Austin doctors are not only promoting vaccination but also vigilance. "I’ve taken care of kids with measles, and they are miserable," expressed Dr. Donald Murphey of Dell Children’s Medical Center. "I don’t think you want to take chances with your kid getting a disease you might get hospitalized for."
The measles virus's re-emergence has been partly attributed to a decline in vaccination rates. In particular, a drop below the state school MMR vaccination threshold, now under the ideal 95%, has been of concern, as shared by Dr. Walkes. Amidst these developments, Dr. Deborah Ikhena-Abel from Aspire Fertility highlighted the increased risk for measles among pregnant women, due to their more vulnerable immune systems. "Women who are pregnant have a weakened immune system," she told KUT, "so they're more likely to get severe illness, need to be hospitalized, develop pneumonia from measles, and also have an increased risk of death from measles."
Given that measles exposure can linger and infect others for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves an area, medical professionals are urging those with symptoms to seek guidance before rushing to the doctor’s office. Dr. Walkes advised, "You may be asked to stay in your car until the provider prepares to see you. If you go into a room and you have measles, for two hours after you've vacated that room, the virus can linger in the air, and people that are exposed to that can be infected," in statements to KUT.
