Latest news with #DCHHS
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Millions more at risk of world's most infectious disease after patient visits second-largest Texas county
One of America's largest counties is on red alert after a resident was diagnosed with measles, potentially exposing millions more to the deadly disease. According to Dallas County Health and Human Services in Texas, the patient was a female in her mid-20s who was fully vaccinated but contagious from May 30 until June 7. She is currently a resident of Dallas County, which is the the second-most populous county in Texas and the eighth-most populous in the US, with a population of over 2.6 million people. The infected woman also traveled to the city of Plano, and she visited two businesses. On May 31 between the hours of 9am to noon the infected woman visited Lemma Coffee in the downtown area and the next day, on June 1, she went to the First Baptist church from 1pm to 5:30pm. Health officials said the woman has received care, and they are working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. According to DCHHS, this is an ongoing investigation of an isolated case because the source of the woman's exposure to measles is not known. However, the new case comes as Texas is battling a measles outbreak that has infected nearly 800 people and killed two children. Dallas officials are warning anyone who fears they may have been exposed to contact their health provider and monitor for symptoms in what is the latest in a string of measles scares to rock America's major cities and travel hubs. This is the first case in Dallas County amid a major outbreak across Texas. At this time, 744 cases have been confirmed in the state since late January. Ninety-six of the patients have been hospitalized and there have been two fatalities in unvaccinated school-aged children who lived in the outbreak area. Overall, in the US there have been 1,168 confirmed measles cases reported by 34 states and at least three deaths. Measles is the world's most contagious disease - infecting nine out of 10 people exposed - but those who are fully vaccinated are protected in 97 percent of cases. The illness causes tiny white spots inside the mouth, flat red spots on the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet, ear infections and a high fever. If severe, it can lead to life-threatening pneumonia. Children need two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first at age 12-15 months, and the second dose at age 4-6 years. Babies ages 6-11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally. Adults should also check to see if they are immune to measles. About one to three in 1,000 people with measles dies of the illness. In an updated advisory, the CDC is warning that people can get infected with measles during travel or at crowded events, unless they are fully vaccinated or have had the disease. The notice reads: 'Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings, including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events. 'Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune.' The government agency recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to an international destination. The last time measles was this rife in the US was in 2019, when there were 1,274 cases reported for the entire year. Measles was officially eradicated in the US in 2000 amid a successful vaccination campaign. At the time, the CDC described achieving measles elimination status in the US as a 'historic public health achievement'. However, a recent study found uptake of the vaccine among children declined in eight in 10 US counties last year, which is being signaled as the cause of the measles resurgence. Overall, vaccine rates fell three percent across the country. It means that 91 percent of children are vaccinated against measles, which is below the 95 percent needed to prevent the disease from spreading and causing deaths. The Johns Hopkins University researchers warned that if vaccination rates continue to fall, measles is likely to return and become a common infection among Americans.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Measles in Dallas: First case confirmed in young woman who was fully vaccinated
Dallas has confirmed the first case of measles. The resident is a woman in her mid-20s who was fully vaccinated, CBS News reported citing the Dallas County Health and Human Services. "The woman was contagious from May 30 through June 7. DCHHS said she has received care and officials are working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed," the media reported. Possible measle exposure locations are said to be Lemma Coffee Plano, 1023 E 15th St, Plano, TX, 75074; and First Baptist Plano, 3665 W President George Bush Hwy, Plano, TX, 75075. Measles has made a comeback Measles might sound like one of those 'old-timey' diseases that only existed in history books, but trust me, it's still very much around—and it's not something to take lightly. Caused by a highly contagious virus, measles spreads quickly. One sneeze or cough from an infected person can hang in the air or land on surfaces, ready to infect the next unsuspecting soul who walks by. So, what are the symptoms of measles ? At first, it might seem like you just have a regular flu—fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. But then comes the telltale sign: a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and then travels down the body. Before that rash shows up, you might even notice tiny white spots inside your mouth (called Koplik spots). Once the rash appears, it usually sticks around for about a week, making you look and feel like you've had the roughest week ever. Measles isn't just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Especially for babies, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems. Complications can range from ear infections and diarrhea to pneumonia and even brain swelling (encephalitis). In severe cases, it can be fatal. The real kicker? Measles is totally preventable. One or two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) can give lifelong protection. Yet, outbreaks still happen, especially when vaccination rates drop. Some people skip vaccines due to misinformation or fear, but the science is pretty clear: the vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect not just yourself, but everyone around you. Once someone catches measles, there's no specific cure. Doctors usually just treat the symptoms—fluids, rest, and fever-reducing meds. But prevention really is the best medicine here. Why do vaccinated individuals get measles? Sometimes people still get measles even after getting vaccinated, and it usually boils down to one of two things: either their body didn't build full immunity from the vaccine, or they didn't get both doses. The first dose gives about 93% protection, but the second bumps it up to around 97%. So if someone skipped the second shot, they're more at risk. Also, a tiny percent of people just don't respond to the vaccine for whatever reason—immune systems can be quirky like that. But here's the good news: even if vaccinated folks do catch it, the symptoms are usually way milder. So, while measles might seem like a thing of the past, it's not something to ignore. It's a fast-spreading, potentially dangerous virus that can mess up your week—or worse. Getting vaccinated, staying alert for symptoms, and acting fast if someone in your circle falls sick can make all the difference. Because nobody wants a virus that enters like a ninja, messes up your system, and leaves a rashy trail behind. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
