The City of Houston Health Department announced that they are investigating a suspect measles case in a toddler that recently traveled overseas. This case is currently pending laboratory confirmation. There is no news on the vaccination status.

measlesHealth officials say measles is very rare in the city with less than one case being reported annually in the past decade and the last confirmed measles case reported five years ago.

Measles is a virus that is easily spread by air droplets when infected persons breathe, cough, or sneeze. The first symptoms are a high fever that may spike to 105°F, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. These symptoms are followed by a blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the feet. Measles is a potentially severe disease, especially young children and persons with compromised immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis and death.

The best way to protect yourself and those you love against measles is to get vaccinated. Two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine are recommended routinely for children, with the first dose at age 12 through 15 months and the second dose at ages four through six years. Adults should be vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR vaccine, with a second dose recommended for those at higher risk such as international travelers and health care workers.

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