Measles activity has spiked in our neighboring counties. As of today, no confirmed cases of measles have been reported to the health department, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services. Individuals should protect themselves through vaccination. Vaccination is best way to provide protection against measles and other diseases.
“Measles is an easily preventable disease. Individuals can protect themselves and their family against the disease by getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Mary desVignes-Kendrick, Director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services. “Measles is a highly contagious disease, and it can spread quickly in communities where people are not vaccinated. Protect yourself, your family, and the community by vaccinating against diseases.”
Measles can be serious, especially for young children and anyone who is not protected against measles. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 90% of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected. Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It starts with a fever, and then it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death.
You can protect your child against measles with a combination vaccine that provides protection against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The MMR vaccine is proven to be very safe and effective. CDC recommends that children get two doses:
- the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and
- the second dose before entering school at 4 through 6 years of age.
Your child’s doctor may offer the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). MMRV vaccine is licensed for children 12 months through 12 years of age. It may be used in place of MMR vaccine if a child needs to have varicella vaccine in addition to measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. Your child’s doctor can help you decide which vaccine to use.
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services will continue to monitor the nation, state, and region-wide spike of measles.
For more information on measles, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or speak to your primary health care provider.