Texas is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in 30 years. As your trusted healthcare team, we’re sharing this guide to educate our members and our community on the facts about measles.
If you would like to schedule an appointment related to measles symptoms, testing or vaccinations, please call 855-481-8375.
What are the risks of measles?
Measles can lead to serious complications especially in children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
What is measles and how do people catch it?
Measles is a very contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. People can catch measles up to 2 hours after someone with measles has left an area.
What do symptoms look like and when do they appear?
Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure. A rash is the most visible symptom, but a person with measles can spread it even without a rash. They can be contagious from 4 days before or after a rash appears.
First symptoms:
- High fever, often above 104°F
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Small, white spots with bluish centers inside the mouth
Rash:
- Appears 3-5 days after the first symptoms
- Starts at the hairline, spreads to the face, neck, and down the rest of the body
- Looks like flat red spots that may blend together
Who should be tested?
- Anyone who develops the above symptoms
- Anyone who has not had the 2-dose vaccine and:
- Has been in contact with someone who has measles
- Has recently traveled
- Has been in contact with someone who has recently traveled
If you believe you need to be tested, contact your Harbor Health Clinician at 855-481-8375.
How can you protect yourself and your family?
Get the MMR vaccine! It’s safe and helps prevent three viruses: measles, mumps and rubella. This vaccine is 97% effective after two doses. The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against measles.
MMR vaccine guidelines:
- Children: Two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months, and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
- Adults: If you are not sure if you completed the MMR vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
The MMR vaccine covers three risks at once: measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is highly effective, making it the best protection against measles.
- If you have completed the 2-dose vaccine series, you are protected.
- This vaccine series is usually given during childhood.
- The 1st dose is given at age 12 to 15 months and the 2nd dose at 4 to 6 years of age.
- If you were born before 1957: No action needed. You likely had measles and therefore built up immunity to it.
- If you were vaccinated between 1963-1967: Speak with your healthcare clinician to determine if revaccination is necessary.
- If you were vaccinated between 1968 to 1989: You likely had at least one MMR vaccine, which confers 94% immunity. However, if you are at high risk of exposure (e.g., healthcare worker, post-high school student, international traveler), you should complete the 2-dose series.
- If you were vaccinated after 1990: and had two MMR vaccines, or have had a confirmed case of measles, or have a positive measles/rubeola titer on a blood lab test, no action is needed.
For most people, receiving an additional dose of the MMR vaccine is not harmful, even if they are already immune. However, if you have concerns or underlying health conditions, please speak with your Harbor Health clinician.
Who should NOT receive the MMR vaccine?
Pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised.
Some people cannot receive the MMR vaccine because it is a "live vaccine." If you cannot receive the vaccine, please be careful! We recommend that your close contacts are up to date on their MMR vaccine.
How can I stay up-to-date on breakouts?
Visit the Texas DSHS website for regular updates.
Stay informed. Stay protected.
This information is for general education only and is not medical advice. To discuss your health needs, please contact your Harbor Health provider. If you are experiencing an emergency or severe symptoms, please call 911.