Montgomery County health officials report three measles cases linked to out-of-state exposure
Three measles infections were confirmed in Montgomery County, Texas, after a family was exposed to a traveler from another state; none of the patients had been vaccinated.
The Montgomery County Public Health Department said three residents have tested positive for measles after a family was exposed to a confirmed case involving an out-of-state traveler. All three patients were unvaccinated, according to the department.
Measles spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can remain infectious in a room for up to two hours after the person leaves. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a rash.
"If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider before arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival without exposing other people to the virus," the department advised.
The agency reiterated that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the primary preventive measure, noting CDC recommendations for two doses administered at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years, which together are about 97% effective. It added that children too young for vaccination or those with only one dose are at higher risk of infection and severe complications.
Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, the disease remains endemic in many regions worldwide and can be reintroduced by infected travelers.