Houston is currently safe from a measles outbreak that has seen over 200 cases in West Texas. The local health department is prepared to respond quickly if a case appears in the area.
To keep tabs on measles, the Houston Health Department is monitoring 36 wastewater treatment plants and 48 manholes. Dr. Janeana White, the deputy health authority, mentioned this during a recent webinar hosted by Children at Risk, a Houston nonprofit. The Texas Department of State Health Services announced there are 223 reported cases linked to the outbreak in West Texas.
The city is also watching 45 schools within the Houston Independent School District, as well as daycare centers and other facilities with low vaccination rates. This includes nine shelters, eight nursing homes, and two local jails.
Dr. David Persse from the health department expressed confidence in their wastewater-monitoring system, stating it can detect measles quickly. Earlier this year, the city identified two isolated cases unrelated to the current outbreak. These individuals had contracted the virus while traveling abroad and have since recovered with no further local infections.
Despite the low case numbers in Houston, Terry Burke, director of The Immunization Partnership, emphasized the importance of vaccination. Cases of measles still exist in many parts of the world, so even families that don’t travel can encounter the virus in their community.
The Houston Health Department is actively encouraging local healthcare providers to promote the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective against measles, while one dose is 93% effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. White encouraged providers to offer flexible vaccination hours, lower fees, and walk-in clinics to improve access for patients. Currently, about 94% of Harris County residents are vaccinated, which is good but slightly below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity recommended by the CDC.
Measles symptoms can appear in stages, starting with a high fever, irritability, and runny nose. After a few days, a rash spreads from the head downward. Severe complications can arise, including pneumonia and a brain infection; tragically, there have been two deaths linked to the West Texas outbreak.
For healthcare providers seeking more information, they can reach the Houston Health Department at 832-393-5188. Residents wanting to schedule vaccinations can call the hotline at 832-393-5427.
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