Update on Measles Outbreak

As measles cases have increased around Texas, we wanted to provide you with more
information regarding illness presentation, management, treatment, and prevention for
your children.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can lead to serious illness such as
pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis. Typically, the illness starts with fever, cough,
runny nose, diarrhea, and watery eyes along with small white lesions in the mouth. Your
child can develop a widespread rash 3-5 days into the illness. There is no specific anti-
viral treatment for measles other than fever management, hydration, and isolation until
the illness resolves. We recommend watching for prolonged fever, respiratory distress,
dehydration, or ear pain due to secondary infections.

To protect against the illness, we recommend vaccination at 1 year and 4 years of age
which follows the standard vaccine schedule according to the CDC. During an outbreak,
it may be necessary to vaccinate earlier (6-11 months of age). If this occurs, your child
should still receive a dose around 1 year and 4 years of age. In addition, if your child
has received their 1 st vaccination at 1 year of age, the 2 nd dose can be received prior to
the age of 4 years, as long as 28 days have passed since the first dose. Insurances
vary if they cover an early dose or additional doses beyond the 2 shot series.

The MMR vaccine is 93% effective after the first dose. After the 2 nd dose is received, it is
97% effective.

Currently, our local counties are not experiencing widespread measles and do NOT
recommend early vaccination for any age group at this time. We will update you if those
recommendations change.