Recent measles cases in Texas have predominantly occurred in the South Plains region; however, the case in Austin involves an infant exposed while traveling abroad.
AUSTIN, Texas — A case of measles has been confirmed by Austin health officials in an unvaccinated infant who contracted the disease overseas. The rest of the family is vaccinated, and contact tracing is complete, suggesting no further exposures are expected. The family is currently in isolation.
Dr. Desmar Walkes of Austin Public Health emphasized the need for vigilance. Despite a declining vaccination rate, the authorities had prepared for such an event and are urging individuals to get vaccinated posthaste.
This incident is unrelated to the South Plains outbreak, which has seen 146 cases reported by February 28. The gravity of measles can’t be overstated, as it is highly contagious; if one infected person sneezes or coughs, nearly 90% of nearby unprotected individuals may contract the virus. It remains airborne for up to two hours after the infected person has left.
Local officials reiterate that there is no outbreak in Austin, though they advise taking precautions. The MMR vaccine, effective at 93% for one dose and 97% for two, is essential for protection. Travis County’s MMR vaccination rate for kindergarteners hovers below 90%, prompting efforts to increase this rate to achieve herd immunity.
With South by Southwest (SXSW) around the corner, there are concerns about potential spread. The health department is collaborating with event organizers to implement health strategies.
The MMR vaccine is widely available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies, with health departments providing it at clinics like “Shots for Tots.” For further information on obtaining vaccinations, visit the city’s immunization webpage.
Vocabulary List:
- Contagious /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ (adjective): Easily spread from one person to another usually referring to diseases.
- Vaccination /ˌvæk.sɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The act of inoculating a person with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease.
- Isolation /ˌaɪ.səˈleɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The state of being separate from others often for health reasons.
- Exposures /ɪkˈspoʊ.ʒərz/ (noun): Instances of being in a situation where one may contract a disease due to contact with an infected person.
- Vigilance /ˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.ləns/ (noun): The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible dangers or difficulties.
- Herd Immunity /hɜrd ɪˈmjunɪti/ (noun): The resistance to the spread of a contagious disease within a population that results if a sufficiently high proportion of individuals are immune typically through vaccination.
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