Investing.com -- The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported the first death from measles in the current outbreak in the South Plains and Panhandle regions. The victim, a school-aged child who had not received a vaccination, was hospitalized in Lubbock last week and tested positive for measles.
The outbreak, which began in late January, had confirmed 124 cases of measles as of February 25. The majority of these cases are in children. Since the start of the outbreak, 18 individuals have required hospitalization.
Measles is a highly infectious respiratory illness that can lead to life-threatening conditions in those who are not protected against the virus. During an outbreak, approximately one in five infected individuals will require hospital care, and one in 20 will develop pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can result in brain swelling and death. The disease can also lead to complications in pregnancy, such as premature birth and low birth weight in babies.
Transmission of measles can occur through direct contact with infectious droplets or when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks of exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Later, a characteristic rash of flat, red spots appears, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. An infected person can spread the disease from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Those who suspect they may have measles or have been exposed to the virus are advised to isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider before seeking testing. The healthcare provider should be informed of the potential measles case to prevent further spread of the virus.
The most effective prevention method is immunization with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine prevents over 97 percent of measles infections. A small number of vaccinated individuals can still develop measles, but their symptoms are typically milder and less likely to spread the disease. The Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children receive the first MMR dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years. Young children who are not yet vaccinated are at a higher risk of severe complications if they contract the measles virus. However, each dose of MMR reduces the risk of infection and the severity of illness if infected.
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