HOUSTON – The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has officially declared an end to this year’s measles outbreak in West Texas.
It’s been more than 42 days since the last new case was reported in any of the affected counties, which helped public health experts determine the outbreak is over.
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Since late January, Texas has reported 762 confirmed measles cases, with more than two-thirds involving children. 99 people were hospitalized during the outbreak, two school-aged children lost their lives.
Why 42 days? That’s double the maximum incubation period for measles. If no new cases pop up in that window, health officials consider the outbreak contained.
“We arrived at this point through a comprehensive outbreak response that included testing, vaccination, disease monitoring, and educating the public about measles through awareness campaigns,” Dr. Jennifer A. Shuford, DSHS Commissioner, said.
Health officials noted the end of this outbreak doesn’t mean Texas is in the clear. Measles is still circulating in North America and around the world, so new cases could emerge in Texas at any time.
DSHS continues to urge health care providers to stay alert and to test for measles in patients with compatible symptoms.