The measles outbreak in Texas is spreading, just as many public health officials had anticipated, and now many parents—who had previously opted out—are making appointments for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines for their children, according to local health officials speaking to NBC. A mobile unit stationed outside of emergency departments in the affected areas is currently offering measles testing and vaccines. Kids who were previously unvaccinated accounted for about half of the MMR shots provided at the health department last week.
The latest data: Health department numbers coming out of Texas on February 28 reported 146 measles cases with 18 hospitalizations. AP also subsequently reported confirmation of 1 death related to the outbreak in an unvaccinated child. Just 5 of the cases include patients who had at least 1 dose of the 2-dose MMR vaccine, and the rest are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. Thirty-nine measles cases are in children ages 4 and under. The department is also hosting a webpage listing possible exposure sites, such as stores and restaurants where people with confirmed cases of measles may have exposed others. Additionally, the department is strongly encouraging providers to report suspected measles cases and submit specimens for polymerase chain reaction testing to the department’s lab for genotyping.
Read More: More Measles Cases Expected in Texas Outbreak, Warn Patients: Before Going on Vacation, Know the Measles Situation Where You’re Heading