West Texas measles outbreak spreads into Oklahoma

A 3rd state is now a part of the rising measles outbreak within the U.S.

On Tuesday, well being officers in Oklahoma reported two “possible” circumstances within the state that seem like linked to the ongoing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.

In line with the Oklahoma State Division of Well being, the 2 individuals developed measles signs after publicity to circumstances related to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.

The individuals remoted instantly after they realized they’d been uncovered and stayed house all through the interval they had been contagious, well being officers stated.

The 2 circumstances come because the outbreak in West Texas continues to develop.

On Tuesday, the Texas Division of State Well being Companies stated that 223 measles circumstances had been confirmed within the state, up from 198 final week. The New Mexico Division of Well being reported 33 circumstances, up from 30, in Lea County, which borders Texas.

Most of the circumstances developed in unvaccinated youngsters.

“One in all my considerations has been round journey,” stated Katherine Wells, director of public well being on the well being division in Lubbock, Texas. “Communicable ailments have no idea borders.”

Lubbock is the town the place a lot of the hospitalized youngsters within the outbreak have been handled.

Measles is likely one of the most contagious viruses on Earth. Unvaccinated individuals are most in danger for changing into contaminated, getting sick sufficient to be hospitalized and die from the virus.

Measles could be prevented with two doses of an MMR vaccine. The primary shot is really helpful round age 1, and the second shot initially of kindergarten. Two doses are about 97% efficient at stopping measles.

Different particular person circumstances unrelated to the West Texas outbreak have additionally been reported this week, in sufferers in Maryland and Vermont who had traveled abroad.

“Everyone’s on excessive alert,” Wells stated.