Measles in Texas: What You Need to Know

A measles outbreak in the Texas panhandle has some people concerned about those who may be at risk for the illness. For parents, the worry is about babies and young children who aren’t fully vaccinated. For others, the concern is whether past vaccinations still offer protection or what to do after possible exposure.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and, in rare cases, brain swelling, and death.

The best protection is vaccination. If you’re unsure about your status or worried about exposure, here’s what you need to know.

How to Protect Your Family

• Check your vaccination records
• If your child is behind on MMR doses, schedule an appointment now
• If your baby is under 12 months, and you are planning to travel internationally or to an outbreak area, ask your child’s doctor about early MMR vaccination

While measles spreads fast, vaccination stops the virus. If you have questions or need the MMR vaccine, Kelsey-Seybold is here to help. Call or book an appointment today.

Recognizing Measles Symptoms

Symptoms of measles appear 7-14 days after exposure and follow a regular pattern:

Early Symptoms (Days 1-4)

Measles usually starts like a bad cold or flu:

• High fever (may reach 105°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

Koplik Spots (Days 2-3)

• Tiny white spots inside the mouth, often on the inner cheeks
• Appear before the rash and are a key measles indicator

Measles Rash (Days 3-5)

• Begins as flat red spots on the face at the hairline
• Spreads downward to the neck, chest, arms, legs, and feet
• Small, raised bumps may appear on top of the red spots
• Spots may merge as they spread
• Fever may spike as the rash appears

If you or your child develop these symptoms, stay home and call your doctor before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing others.

Measles Q&A

Who’s Most at Risk?

People at the highest risk for severe illness include:

• Babies under 12 months, who are too young for routine vaccination
• Those who are unvaccinated and have not had exposure to measles – 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected
• Pregnant women, as measles can cause serious complications for both mother and baby
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy

Does My Child Need the Measles Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is safe and highly effective:

• One dose (given at 12-15 months) provides 93% protection.
• Two doses (second dose at 4-6 years) provide 97% protection.

If your child meets the criteria for both doses but hasn’t received them, now is the time to get them vaccinated.

Can I Speed Up My Child’s Vaccination?

Vaccinating earlier than the recommended schedule is not currently recommended for those living in the Houston area. In cases of international travel, or travel to a region with a current outbreak, babies as young as 6 months may be able to receive an early MMR dose. This provides temporary protection, but they will still need the two-dose series beginning at age 12 months for full, long-term immunity. Talk to your pediatrician to see if an early dose is right for your child.

What If My Child Was Exposed to Measles?

If your child was around someone with measles, contact your doctor immediately. There is a short window for action:

• If they are unvaccinated or have had only one dose, getting an MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may provide some protection against infection.
• Receiving an immune globulin shot within six days, if more than 72 hours have passed, may reduce the severity of illness.

If your child develops a high fever, cough, runny nose, or a rash, keep them home and call your doctor before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing others.

What If I’m Not Sure If I Was Vaccinated?

If you are unsure of your status – talk to your doctor or medical provider. Your primary care provider can help guide decisions about your care and whether it makes sense to confirm your immunity with a blood test or if you should receive an MMR vaccine.

Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered to have natural immunity to measles, as they were widely exposed to the virus before the introduction of the vaccine.

Am I at Risk now if I was fully vaccinated as a child?

You are considered immune to measles and protected if:

• You were born before 1957
• You were born between 1957 -1989 and received at least one dose of MMR vaccine. At this time, there is no recommendation to give a second dose for most people born between 1957-1989
• You were born during 1989, or after, and received two doses of MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart.

What If I Was Exposed to Measles?

If you know you were exposed to someone with measles:

• If you’re fully vaccinated, your risk is very low. Monitor for symptoms, but serious illness is unlikely.
• If you’re unvaccinated, call a doctor immediately. A post-exposure MMR vaccine within 72 hours or an immune globulin shot within six days may help prevent or lessen the severity of the illness.

Measles spreads quickly, but vaccination stops the virus. If you have questions or need the MMR vaccine, Kelsey-Seybold is here to help. Call or book an appointment today.