AUSTIN, Texas – Health officials in Austin have confirmed a case of measles, as an unvaccinated infant was exposed to the disease while traveling abroad, according to a recent announcement by Austin Public Health. The infected child’s family members are all vaccinated, and contact tracing has been completed with no expectation of additional exposures.
Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Public Health Authority of Austin Travis County, emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly in light of declining vaccination rates. The measles case in Austin is not linked to the outbreak in the South Plains region of Texas, where a significant number of cases have been reported, including hospitalizations and sadly, a child’s death – marking the first measles fatality in ten years in the U.S.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air via coughs and sneezes. Health officials warn that the virus can survive in the environment for several hours after an infected individual is no longer present, underscoring the importance of monitoring symptoms up to three weeks post-exposure. The MMR vaccine, which safeguards against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective in preventing the disease, with one dose being 93% effective and two doses 97% effective.
While there is no local outbreak of measles in Austin, officials stress the importance of increasing the community’s vaccination rate to ensure “herd immunity.” They are actively working with schools to boost vaccination rates among kindergarteners and facilitate access to vaccines through mobile clinics. Additionally, parents are encouraged to vaccinate children at the recommended ages to mitigate the risk of measles outbreaks.
Precautionary measures are being put in place as Austin prepares to host the South by Southwest (SXSW) event, underlining the significance of vaccination to prevent widespread infection. Health officials are collaborating with event organizers to implement health precautions and vaccination opportunities for attendees. Vaccines are available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and health department clinics for those seeking protection against measles. Parents are advised to consult healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for their children, especially when traveling to regions with high measles prevalence.