Measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico intensifies: Symptoms and severe complications to watch out for – The Times of India

The spread of highly contagious measles has reached unprecedented levels in parts of the United States, as 58 cases of the vaccine-preventable viral disease have been found in West Texas within the last three weeks, making it the largest outbreak in the state in close to three decades.
The measles health crisis has also reached neighboring New Mexico wherein eight cases have been reported, according to the state’s health department. However, the agency said that direct contact between the measles cases in New Mexico and Texas could not be identified.
14 measles cases have been reported in Alaska, Georgia, New York City, Rhode Island and Texas, as per CDC.

What is measles?

Measles is caused by an extremely contagious virus called morbillivirus and can spread very fast through tiny respiratory droplets when one coughs or sneezes. What makes it even more infectious is that the airborne droplets can remain in a room for two hours even after the person with measles is gone. These tiny droplets released from a cough, sneeze, or breathing can land on surfaces and infect people.

Common symptoms of measles

However, the symptoms would take around 7-14 days to appear post exposure, as per CDC, which usually include fever, malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed by rash.
The rashes are red spots on your face. Later, smaller raised white spots may appear on top of the red rash. They can then club together as the rash goes down your body.
The rash first appears towards the face or head, spreads to the trunk and then to the lower extremities. People are considered to be contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.
Other measles symptoms include a sore throat, white spots in your mouth, muscle pain, and sensitivity to light.

Why measles cases are growing in Texas

Low vaccination coverage could be the reason behind this worrying outbreak among children in Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services said on Tuesday that the outbreak started with two cases among unvaccinated children in Gaines County and increased to 58 cases across five counties. Most of the affected children were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.

Measles complications

Measles can turn deadly in some cases. People who are more at risk of complications are infants and toddlers, pregnant women, adults 20 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.
Here are some complications:
1. Diarrhoea: Having a loose and watery stool can raise risk of dehydration. Especially if it’s accompanied by fever or a bloody stool, it can be a cause of concern.
2. Ear infections: This can cause ear pain and make your infant or toddler quite irritable. While, ear infections usually clear on their own, at times, children need antibiotics and pain-relieving medications to manage the same.
3. Pneumonia: Measles can also cause inflammation and build-up of fluid in your lungs which can be life threatening if not treated.
4. Encephalitis: Viral infections can sometimes cause brain inflammation or swelling in people which can be life threatening
5. Preterm birth: Women who have measles during pregnancy can face complications like low birth weight or preterm birth.

While there is no cure for measles, one recovers after 10 to 14 days. Apart from fever and pain-relief medications, one is advised to rest properly, drink loads of liquids, gargle with salt water, and avoid harsh lights.

How to prevent

One of the most effective ways to prevent measles is getting vaccinated. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the first dose given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.