The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has declared the end of the measles outbreak that began in West Texas earlier this year. According to DSHS, it has been more than 42 days since any new cases were reported in counties previously affected by ongoing transmission. As a result, DSHS will stop updating its interactive outbreak dashboard but will continue monitoring for new cases.
Since late January, 762 confirmed measles cases have been reported as part of the outbreak. More than two-thirds of those infected were children. Ninety-nine people required hospitalization, and there were two deaths among school-aged children.
“I want to highlight the tireless work of the public health professionals across the state who contributed to the containment of one of the most contagious viruses. We arrived at this point through a comprehensive outbreak response that included testing, vaccination, disease monitoring and educating the public about measles through awareness campaigns,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “I also want to recognize the many health care professionals who identified and treated cases of a virus that most providers had never seen in person before this outbreak.”
Health officials consider an outbreak over after 42 days with no new cases because this period is twice as long as measles’ maximum incubation time—the interval between exposure and onset of illness.
Despite ending this particular outbreak, DSHS warns that measles remains a threat due to ongoing outbreaks elsewhere in North America and globally. The agency advises health care providers to remain alert for symptoms consistent with measles and continue testing when appropriate.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications or death, especially among unvaccinated individuals. During outbreaks, about one in five children who contract measles require hospital care; some develop pneumonia or experience swelling of the brain. Measles infection during pregnancy can cause premature birth or low birth weight.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne spread from coughing or sneezing by an infected person. Symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading downwards. Individuals are contagious from four days before until four days after rash onset.
People suspecting they have measles should isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider before seeking testing to avoid exposing others.
Vaccination remains the primary prevention method against measles infection. Two doses of MMR vaccine protect over 97 percent of recipients from contracting measles; vaccinated individuals who do get sick generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to transmit the virus further. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children receive their first MMR dose at 12-15 months old and a second at ages 4-6 years.
Healthcare providers are encouraged to follow infection control guidelines found in DSHS health alerts and report suspected cases immediately to local health departments while patients are still present.
