TEXAS — In response to more than 500 measles cases and two child deaths in the state, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provided new vaccination recommendations to those in the hardest-hit West Texas counties.
The designated “outbreak areas” as designated by the state grew from six counties to 10 on Monday. Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lamar, Lynn, Lubbock, Terry and Yoakum are among those counties.
Of the 505 confirmed cases, 495 individuals were unvaccinated, three received one vaccine dose and seven received two doses.
DSHS encourages all eligible Texans to be up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first vaccination, administered after a child turns 1 years old, shows 93% efficacy; the second, 97% efficacy.
Three doses of the vaccine are recommended for all infants living within the outbreak areas; one at 6-11 months, the second at 12-15 months and the third at 4-6 years.
Traditionally, all children nationwide are encouraged to get two doses of the vaccine.
Teens and adults are also encouraged to be up to date on the vaccination, but the vaccine is not recommended for adults born before 1957, pregnant women, and people with severe immunodeficiency.
Adults residing in or traveling to affected areas and who are without MMR immunity are advised to receive their first vaccine dose promptly, followed by a second dose after a minimum of 28 days.
According to DSHS, there is a lack of measles antiviral therapy; however, immunoglobulin or the MMR vaccine might offer some protection or alter the disease’s course for susceptible people who contract measles.
Individuals seeking measles treatment with vitamin A should consult a health care professional for guidance. Incorrect vitamin A dosage may result in toxicity.
Updated vitamin A recommendations from DSHS include:
- Severely ill hospitalized children with measles should receive vitamin A under doctor’s care.
- Furthermore, if a physician recommends vitamin A, they should provide two doses: one at diagnosis and a second dose 24 hours later. The recommended age-specific daily doses are:
- 50,000 IU for infants younger than 6 months of age
- 100,000 IU for infants 6–11 months of age
- 200,000 IU for children 12 months of age and older
You can find more information about the measles outbreak on the DSHS website.
Below, you will find additional information regarding guidance for outbreak areas.
