Texas is one of nine states where measles is a problem this year. From January 2 to May 21, 19 people had the measles the United States.
According to East Texas doctors, people are who get measles are usually not vaccinated. Symptoms include a fever and a rash.
“The virus is one of the most contagious viruses because of the contact spread and the amount of time that it can be dormant on surfaces,” said UT Health Northeast pediatrician, Monique Mills.
Doctors said the best way to prevent measles is by getting the MMR vaccine.
“Very young children and very old people are more likely to be more sick with the infection when they get it,” said Mills.
Doctors treat the symptoms of the viral disease which can be lengthy and uncomfortable.
“It can lead to some complications, including pneumonia and cephalitis or meningitis, and those are the types of things that can complicate the illness, that can make it more difficult to treat,” said Mills.
Outbreaks are still very common in other parts of the world like Europe, Asia and Africa. Doctors suspect travelers could be bringing the disease into the United States.
Mills said to see a doctor if you think you have measles.
CLICK HERE to see measles statistics released by the CDC.
(Information from myeasttex.com)
