A measles outbreak in Lea County, New Mexico, has resulted in 9 cases to date. Of these cases, 30% are among children under 5 years old, 52% are among people aged 5 to 19 years, and 16% are adults over 20 years old. It is concerning that 95% of the reported cases are unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The National Epidemiological Surveillance System has issued an alert to citizens planning to travel to Texas due to an active outbreak in the region. Recently, an unvaccinated school-aged child died from measles in that state.
To date, 106 cases of measles have been reported in eight states in the U.S., including Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas. Travelers are advised to check their measles vaccination status before departing, as vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent the disease.
Texas is the epicenter of the outbreak, with cases reported in nine counties. The SINAE advises those presenting symptoms to report their travel history, vaccination status, visited places, and close contacts. There is no specific treatment for measles, so vaccination remains the most effective measure to prevent infection.
Measles is transmitted through close contact with the secretions of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or exhale. Symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after contact and can include fever, runny nose, joint pain, and red eyes. The characteristic rash usually begins on the face and spreads across the body.
For those traveling to affected areas, it is recommended to ensure one's vaccination schedule is complete, seek medical attention if symptoms occur during travel, maintain distance from others, and practice frequent handwashing. If returning from a trip to Texas and experiencing symptoms up to 21 days later, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
