Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is investigating the first reported case of measles this year in unincorporated areas of Harris County. The case involves a child under 18, who has not been identified publicly and reportedly does not have a travel history. The initial confirmation of the measles case came from a commercial laboratory, with further validation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) pending as part of their standard protocol, as reported by Click2Houston.
The last reported case of measles in this area occurred in 2019, with four individuals receiving treatment. As of April, measles has not been fully eradicated in Texas, with 422 cases reported statewide. Health officials are actively working to identify individuals who may have been in close contact with the patient, aware of the concerning statistic that nine out of 10 unimmunized people exposed to the virus are likely to contract it, according to details shared by KHOU.
Vaccinations play a key role in preventing outbreaks like this. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a two-dose schedule for the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The child involved in this recent case received the first dose, but the status of the second dose has not been provided. "Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, which spreads through coughing and sneezing. This is a great reminder about the importance of keeping children up to date with vaccines," Dr. Ericka Brown, Harris County Local Health Authority, emphasized in a statement obtained by KHOU.
While this case indicates a potential vulnerability, there has not been a widespread concern. Dr. Brown remains unworried, citing a high local immunization rate of 94%, which practically brushes just below the CDC's recommended 95% for herd immunity. "The reason I am not concerned at this time is because Harris County has a 94% immunization rate," she told KHOU, stating that the infrastructure to prevent a larger outbreak is in place. However, the case is raising questions, particularly about a potential link to the ongoing outbreak in West Texas and the South Plains. Fortunately, the child has recovered. An update on the rising number of measles cases is expected to be released today.
Although measles may seem like a condition of the past to some, it remains important to stay vigilant. About 25% of individuals who contract the disease require hospital care, highlighting that the fight against infectious diseases is ongoing.
