In a follow-up on the measles situation in Texas, state health officials report an additional case in Collin County, bringing the state total to 11.

Image/geralt
Image/geralt

Texas had nine confirmed cases in 2018 and one in 2017.

In Clark County, WA, an additional measles case was confirmed Tuesday, bringing the total there to 71.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Measles is so contagious that if someone has it, 90 percent of the people around that person who are not immune will become infected.

A hallmark of measles is a rash that begins as flat, red spots on the face and spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include a high fever over 101 degrees, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Anyone who believes they have measles should contact their health care provider as soon as possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children get a dose of measles vaccine at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years. The measles vaccine is very effective, about 97 percent after two doses. Children too young to be vaccinated or who have only had one dose of vaccine are more likely to get infected.