Updated
Updated · KTRK-TV · Jul 22
Montgomery County Confirms 4th Measles Case as Unvaccinated Woman Is Hospitalized
Updated
Updated · KTRK-TV · Jul 22

Montgomery County Confirms 4th Measles Case as Unvaccinated Woman Is Hospitalized

3 articles · Updated · KTRK-TV · Jul 22

Summary

  • A fourth Montgomery County resident has tested positive for measles, and the newest patient — a woman in her 20s or 30s — is hospitalized.
  • All 4 cases are in the same family and were traced to contact with a confirmed measles patient who traveled to Texas from out of state; none of the four had been vaccinated.
  • Measles can linger in indoor air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves, and symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure.
  • Montgomery County urged anyone with possible exposure or symptoms — including fever above 101, cough, runny nose, irritated eyes and rash — to call a healthcare provider before seeking care.
  • The health department said the 2-dose MMR vaccine is about 97% effective and stressed immunization as imported cases continue to reintroduce a disease the U.S. declared eliminated in 2000.

Insights

Amid the worst outbreak in 35 years, could the U.S. lose its hard-won measles elimination status by November?
Beyond the rash, how does measles cause 'immune amnesia,' leaving survivors vulnerable to other diseases for years?
As kindergarten vaccination rates dip below the safety threshold, is your community's 'herd immunity' shield about to break?