Measles
Information on Measles Outbreak in Texas
Due to a recent measles outbreak that began in Texas and spread to more than a dozen states, health officials are urging the public to stay alert for symptoms and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
While most of the cases reported in Texas this year involve unvaccinated children, medical professionals recommend everyone check their immunization status to make certain they have received two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in their lifetime.
Officials at Texas A&M University Health Services are working daily with the Texas Department of State Health Services to monitor the situation. The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to post online updates by county each Tuesday and Friday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that college students who have not been vaccinated or lack proof of immunity receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
Measles is a highly contagious virus. If you think you might have developed the illness, please stay home and contact your medical provider.
Students who believe they have the virus can make an appointment through the UHS portal here, but should call in advance so measures can be taken by staff to minimize risk for other patients.
Vaccines are available for students at the A.P. Beutel Health Center on campus by making an appointment through the UHS portal. The vaccines also are available through health care providers and at some pharmacies, depending on location.
Frequently Asked Questions
- It spreads in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and the virus can live on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours.
- By touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms the first few days include moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and sore throat; after a few days, blue-white spots form on the inside of the mouth, a red-brown rash starts at the hairline and spreads down the body and a fever may reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The incubation period ranges an average of 10 to 12 days from exposure to the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms can become worse over time and can be deadly if appropriate care isn’t received. Experts recommend going to the emergency room immediately when a person has the following:
- A hard time breathing or breathing faster than normal;
- Signs of severe dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less than usual);
- Confusion, decreased alertness or severe weakness; and/or
- For young children, a blue color around the mouth, crying without making tears, unusually low energy and severe loss of appetite.
The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.
MMR vaccines are available for students at A.P. Buetel Health Center by making an appointment through the UHS portal. The vaccines also are available through health care providers and at some pharmacies.
- Immediately mask and isolate in a room with a closed door.
- Call a doctor before going in so they can take precautions; ask about next steps.
- Stay home for four days after the rash appears.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; wash hands often; don’t share drinks or eating utensils; disinfect surfaces.