Melvin City officials announced Saturday the Texas Dept. of Health Services had confirmed a case of measles in a resident of Melvin.
The report indicated that a young child who is a resident of Melvin had recently been diagnosed with measles. The child had no history of travel to an area where measles is spreading and no known exposure to a person with measles. The child has been treated and is recovering.
Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases may occur.
Recommendations for Public Health, Control and Prevention
Measles vaccination may prevent disease in exposed people if given within 72 hours of exposure. People 6 months old and older who have not been fully vaccinated would be eligible for vaccination under these circumstances. It may provide some long-term protection, but should be followed with a second vaccination at least one month later.
Pregnant women, people with severe immunosuppression, and anyone with a previous anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine component should not get a measles vaccine.
Controlling Outbreaks in Group Settings
People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from school, work and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset.
During an outbreak, people without documented immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection should be isolated from anyone with measles to protect those without immunity and control the outbreak.
Recommendations for the Public
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. Measles is extremely contagious and can cause life-threatening illnesses to anyone who is not protected against the virus.
Some Symptoms of Measles
Fever over 101 degrees
Generalized maculopapular rash lasting over 3 days AND
Rash begins at the hairline/scalp and progresses down the body
Cough, runny nose or conjunctivitis or koplik spots (bluish-whitespecks or a red-rose background) appearing on the buccal and lateral mucosa usually opposite the molars.
