Latest news with #DavidPersse
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas measles outbreak: Second child dies from measles-related complications
TEXAS - The second measles death of a Texas child was reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This comes as an ongoing outbreak of measle cases has been centered in the state's South Plains region. What we know Health officials said the school-aged child who tested positive for measles was hospitalized in Lubbock and passed away on Thursday. The child's doctor described the death from measles pulmonary failure. Officials said the child was not vaccinated and had no underlying conditions. Big picture view As of Friday, April 4, 481 cases of measles have been confirmed in the outbreak since late January. Most of the cases are in children, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Fifty-six people have been hospitalized over the course of the outbreak. What they're saying "We are giving a lot of attention, as we should, to the situation in West Texas as there is a lot of spread of measles, again among almost exclusively unvaccinated people," said Dr. David Persse of the Houston Health Department. The death comes less than a week after health officials confirmed a child with measles traveled through Hobby Airport after arriving from Mexico. RELATED: Houston: Measles case confirmed in patient who traveled through Hobby Airport The Houston Health Department said, so far, there have been five measles cases reported in our region. There have been three cases reported in the City of Houston, one case in Harris County, and one case in Fort Bend County. Health officials are urging residents, particularly those with young children, to make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. "About 95% of Houstonians, and for the vaccinated folks, they almost have nothing to worry about," said Dr. Persse. RELATED: Measles case reported in Harris County RELATED: Fort Bend County reports first measles case in its area RELATED: Infant measles case confirmed as third in Houston this year, officials say Why you should care The Texas Department of State Health Services describes measles as a highly contagious respiratory illness which can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against the virus. During a measles outbreak, about one in five children who get sick will need hospital care and one in 20 will develop pneumonia. Rarely, measles can lead to swelling of the brain and death. What they're saying In a statement, UMC Health System in Lubbock said: We are deeply saddened to report that a school-aged child who was recently diagnosed with measles has passed away. The child was receiving treatment for complications of measles while hospitalized. It is important to note that the child was not vaccinated against measles and had no known underlying health conditions. This unfortunate event underscores the importance of vaccination. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly for those who are unvaccinated. We encourage all able individuals to stay current with their vaccinations to help protect themselves and the broader community. Mark Funderburk, Chief Executive Officer expressed "On behalf of UMC Health System, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of this child, during this very difficult time." The Source FOX 26 reporter Jade Flury contacted the Houston Health Department and UMC Health System in Lubbock.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fort Bend County reports first measles case in its area
The Brief Fort Bend County confirmed a measles case in a woman who traveled internationally. Three cases have been reported in the Houston area. Excluding Fort Bend County and Houston, 400 measles cases have been reported in Texas. FORT BEND COUNTY - Fort Bend County has reported its first case of measles in the area. What we know According to Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, the case was confirmed in a woman between 50-60 years old who recently traveled internationally. What we don't know Health officials tell FOX 26 that the woman's current health condition, where she traveled, and her vaccination status are all under investigation. What they're saying "I want to reassure our community that we are working closely with Health and Human Services to keepeveryone informed," said Fort Bend County Judge KP George in a statement. "Your safety and well-being remain my top priority. I urge all residents to check their immunization records, get vaccinated if necessary and stay vigilant for symptoms. Together, we can protect our families, neighbors and the greater Fort Bend community." The Houston Health Department says it is working to identify Houston residents who may have been exposed to measles in connection to the case in Fort Bend County. What they're saying "Our team is working diligently to notify and provide guidance to those who may have been in contact with the individual," said Dr. David Persse, City of Houston's Chief Medical Officer, in a statement. "Measles is highly contagious, but it is also preventable with vaccination." "Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and our community," added Dr. Persse. "We strongly encourage anyone who is not fully vaccinated to get their MMR shots as soon as possible." By the numbers As of March 16, three measles cases have been confirmed in the Houston area. All three cases also involved patients who traveled internationally. They were not vaccinated. The latest Houston case was reported in an infant. The child was last reported to be recovering at home. RELATED: Infant measles case confirmed as third in Houston this year, officials say Big picture view On Friday, March 28, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported 400 total cases of measles across the state since late January 2025. Officials say 41 of those patients have been hospitalized. The state's outbreak count does not appear to include the cases from Houston. An outbreak of measles has been reported in Texas' Panhandle and South Plains regions. The only measles-related death in Texas this year was reported in early February. Lubbock and DSHS officials say a school-age child passed after being hospitalized in Lubbock. The child was not from Lubbock. Officials say the child was not vaccinated. RELATED: Texas child becomes first to die of measles in U.S. since 2015 The Source Fort Bend County Health and Human Services and previous FOX 26 reports.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Houston Health Department hosting measles vaccination clinic on Saturday
HOUSTON - The Houston Health Department is hosting a measles vaccination clinic on Saturday. What we know According to a news release, the Houston Health Department is taking proactive steps to protect the community from measles by hosting a free vaccination clinic for TVFC (Texas Vaccines for Children) and ASN eligible clients on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Sunnyside Health Center, located at 4410 Reed Road. Those not eligible for TVFC or ASN should reach out to their primary care provider. Officials said as measles cases continue to rise nationwide, the Houston Health Department is urging families to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure they and their loved ones are protected. The vaccination clinic will be open to the public, offering free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines for eligible individuals. Parents are strongly encouraged to check their children's vaccination status and get them immunized if they have not yet received both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine. What they're saying "Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we face, and it can have serious health consequences, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems," said Dr. David Persse, Chief Medical Officer for the City of Houston. "The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, which is safe, effective, and provides long-term protection." "We want to provide as much information as possible about critical protection," Dr. Persse added. "With measles outbreaks happening in various parts of the country, now is the time to get vaccinated and prevent this highly contagious disease from spreading in our community." CDC Recommendations The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine: • First dose: 12–15 months old • Second dose: 4–6 years old • Infants 6–11 months traveling internationally to areas with a measles outbreak, or after shared decision-making with their provider, can receive one dose of the MMR vaccine followed by the routine two-dose series. Adults born after 1956 who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles should get at least one dose, and high-risk groups may need two doses. What you can do For updates and more information on measles and vaccinations, visit or call (832) 395-9100. The Source Information was provided by a news release from the Houston Health Department.
