The Texas Department of State Health Services reports an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas.
New Mexico Department of Health also reports a current outbreak in Lea County, near Gaines County in Texas.
See the latest updates from the Oklahoma State Department of Health regarding cases in the state.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:
Infected people can spread measles to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.
Measles can lead to serious health complications, particularly in children under five. Common issues include ear infections and diarrhea, while more severe complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, can also occur.
Do you need a MMR vacccine?
Call 405-325-4441 to make an appointment!
MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
Protect yourself with the vaccine. Review your vaccination history to see if you are up to date on your Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR or MMRV) vaccines.
Adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine.
Certain adults, like college students, healthcare workers, and international travelers, may need two doses.
Special Notes:
Most people born before 1957 do not need the measles vaccine because it is presumed they had the measles virus during childhood. If you received a live measles vaccine in the 1960s, revaccination is unnecessary. However, those vaccinated before 1968 with an inactivated or unknown-type measles vaccine should receive at least one dose of live attenuated measles vaccine, as the killed vaccine used from 1963-1967 was ineffective.
If you develop symptoms or have been exposed to measles:
Measles symptoms can take 7 to 14 days to appear after exposure.
To determine your immune status, here is some information that may help.
1) Look for hard copies of your records saved from your childhood, such as in a baby book or call your primary care doctor or pediatrican.
3) If you received vaccinations in Oklahoma, you can search the state's public record here: https://shotrecords.health.ok.gov/
4) If you are from another state, your record may be found in that state's registry.
2) Call the OU Health Services Nurse line for questions at 405-325-8732.
