Measles Case Confirmed at a North Texas School
What is measles? And how you can protect your family.
Collin County Health Care Services has confirmed a student at Schell Elementary School in Richardson has tested positive for measles.
A letter published by the department reports that they are “reviewing individual exposure status, although anyone at the school on Jan
uary 5, 2016 could have had exposure.” Those who have come into contact with the virus will need to be observed for up to three weeks as symptoms may not develop until later.
Measles is an airborne disease and is highly contagious. Measles can easily spread through breathing, coughing, sneezing or coming in close contact with an infected person. If you or anyone you know develops symptoms of this disease, please contact your health care provider immediately. Notify your provider of your concern prior to the visit so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Measles begins as a mild infection with fever, congestion, cough and some oral lesions. It then worsens to a severe respiratory infection, with very red eyes, lots of coughing and a rash all over the body with red, slightly raised, round spots. Measles can have complications such as pneumonia, dehydration and in rare occasions swelling of the brain (encephalitis). Measles is especially dangerous for people with weak immune systems.
It is important to remember that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. Children receive the vaccine at one and four years of age. Adults who have received a measles vaccine series are considered immune. Those who have not been immunized against measles, or have never had measles, should contact their health care provider to get vaccinated.
Most people born in 1957 or after should have documentation of at least one dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine or other evidence of immunity to Measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the vaccine. The first dose should be given at 12 months of age and the second between the ages of 4 to 6 years.
You can find more information about Measles by clicking HERE.
Click here to find a Cook Children's pediatrician in your area to get your child vaccinated.
