Latest news with #DesmarWalkes
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Second measles case reported in Leander, Williamson health district says
The Williamson County and Cities Health District is reporting a second measles case in Leander. This case involves an unvaccinated adult, who is no longer in the infectious period, and was not in the county when they were infectious. Anyone who might have come in contact with this person is being notified. It is not clear if this case is related to the first Leander measles case last week. That case involved a school-age child who was infectious between May 15 and May 22. The child's parents were not revealing whether the child had traveled or whether the child had been vaccinated. 'Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent the spread of measles and protect our community,' said Dr. Amanda Norwood, Williamson County and Cities Health District's medical director. 'Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer safe, strong, long-lasting protection. Staying up to date not only safeguards your own health but also helps protect infants, older adults, and others who cannot be vaccinated.' On Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health services reported 729 measles cases in the West Texas outbreak as well as 24 other cases throughout the state. Those 24 cases include two in Travis County in February and April and one in Hays County this month. The Hays County case had not traveled to an outbreak area, which made community spread a possibility. "We are waiting, we are being prepared, we are being vigilant," said Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County public health authority. "We are in communication with our neighboring counties regularly, and we're also in communication with our hospital systems and our health care providers to get them updates. "Everybody is on high alert and everybody is working together with one voice with let's get people vaccinated, and let's get people who we may identify as suspect cases isolated so we can prevent or contain the spread if it should be a case," Walkes said. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It spreads by airborne particles and has a 90% infection rate among unvaccinated people exposed to a person with measles. The virus can live on surfaces for two hours after exposure. It also has long-term consequences. "Measles is not just an acute illness," said Dr. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. It causes "immune amnesia," which means people can lose their immune protection against other diseases. They also can develop swelling of the brain and other complications years later. If you think you may have been in close contact with someone who has measles and are unsure of your immunity status: Call your healthcare provider or clinic before showing up in person. Ask your provider if medications or a vaccine is appropriate for you based on your health and vaccination history. Call your county health department to report your exposure. Anywhere from seven to 14 days after exposure, initial symptoms may include: Cough Runny nose Conjunctivitis Usually a fever of 103 to 104 Four days later: A rash that starts at the head and works its way down the body. The rash can start as sore spots in the mouth. Inflammation of the lungs Pneumonia from a secondary infection Inflammation of the brain People born before 1957 are presumed to have immunity because of the amount of measles that was present during that time. People born after that time need to make sure they have been vaccinated with two doses. If you were born between 1957 and 1968, you might not have immunity because the vaccine at the time didn't use a live virus. Vaccine protection does wane over time. You can get a blood test to check your immunity level to be sure. If you have been pregnant in the last 30 years, you have already had your titer check for rubella, which is in the MMR vaccine, and you would have been told if you did not have immunity. Children typically are given the first dose of the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella when they are 12 months old. They receive a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. For vaccinations, contact your primary care provider or go through Austin Public Health or other public health authorities in your county. You can get vaccinated as an adult if you have not been vaccinated previously. In Williamson County, you can look at or call 512- 943-3600 to schedule an appointment. Austin Public Health offers vaccinations for free or reduced rates for children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured, or don't have Medicaid. The typical cost is $13 for children and $25 for adults. You can call (512) 972-5520 to make an appointment at the clinics at 405 W. Stassney Lane in South Austin or 7500 Blessing Avenue in Northeast Austin. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Leander has second measles case
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Austin Public Health expects active mosquito season
Austin Public Health is expecting an active mosquito season and that means mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile. Last week, Austin Public Health reminded the public that May is the beginning of its mosquito surveillance and testing program, which continues through November. Austin had a particularly active West Nile season last year with 101 pools that tested positive for mosquitoes with the disease. Preliminary data also point to 33 people becoming infected and two deaths in Travis County in 2024 from West Nile. When the weather is warmer and wetter, mosquitoes are actively breeding in and around Austin. 'We've seen the weather changing over the years here in Austin, and as a result, we've seen mosquito seasons running longer than before,' said Environmental Health Services Division Chief Marcel Elizondo. 'We're also continuing to see West Nile in the pool samples we test. It's crucial that we take this seriously and protect ourselves whenever we're spending time outdoors.' West Nile isn't the only mosquito-borne illness to worry about. Dengue fever was not something people in the continental United States had to worry about until recently. Last year, Florida had 83 cases, California had 18 and Texas had two that were not acquired from travel but from a bite by a local mosquito. The best way to prevent West Nile and dengue fever is through mosquito-bite prevention. 'While everyone is excited to get back to their favorite spring and summer activities, let's make sure that we're taking quick steps to protect ourselves and fully enjoy this time of year,' said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. 'Wearing long sleeves and pants, putting on repellent and clearing out standing water will protect yourself and others from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.' Austin Public Health employees decry federal spending cuts, urge city to make up loss Dusk and dawn: The species that spread West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn. Pay particular attention to mosquito prevention during these times or avoid going outside. Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; mosquito-repellent clothing is also available. DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET for the best protection. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Find the Environmental Protection Agency's list of repellents . Drain: Remove standing water in your yard and neighborhood because mosquitoes like to breed in standing water. Look for water in these places: Tires Pet water bowls Containers and buckets Planters Toys Birdbaths Flowerpot saucers Trash containers Rain barrels Kiddie pools You also can make your yard less of a mosquito party by taking these steps: Regularly clean out anything that needs to have water, such as a bird bath. Use mosquito dunks or mosquito fish in ponds to eat the mosquito larvae. Make sure rain barrels are covered. Move potted plants indoors. Create drains in planter boxes to avoid standing water lurking there. Look for drainage problems in your yard and fix them with a French drain. Plant lemon balm, mint, chrysanthemums, marigolds, basil, garlic, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and lemongrass around your yard. Or use oils and candles with those scents to discourage mosquitoes. Scatter coffee grounds in the soil wherever there have been drainage problems. They deprive the eggs in the soil of oxygen. Install lights around the yard that mosquitoes don't like, such as LED lights, yellow bug lights or sodium lamps. Use a fan or fans on the patio to discourage mosquitoes from flocking there. Hire a professional service to treat your yard. Make sure they know whether you have pets or kids crawling around in the yard. Federal funding cuts hurt Austin Public Health's ability to fight outbreaks, director says About 80% of people who contract West Nile virus have no symptoms. Their cases typically aren't recorded because they don't know they have it. Most people who do develop symptoms have fever, headache, joint pain, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. A blood test or a spinal fluid sample can confirm the cause. About 1 in 150 people with West Nile virus get the severe illness, which affects their central nervous system. They could develop inflammation of the brain or membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cord. Those people have symptoms such as a severe headache, stiff neck, tremors, convulsions, coma, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness or paralysis. People who are 60 or older at most risk for severe illness as well as people who have underlying medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or have had an organ transplant. People with a severe case of the illness can take weeks or months to recover, and there can be permanent damage to their central nervous system. About 10% of the people who have a West Nile virus case that affects their central nervous system die. There is no vaccine for West Nile virus. Most people can use over-the-counter medications. In severe cases, hospitalization to help with fluids and managing pain is needed. Only 1 in 4 people infected with dengue fever will get sick. Symptoms include: Aches and pains, including behind the eyes, muscle, joint or bone pain Nausea or vomiting Rash Most people with symptoms have symptoms that last two to seven days and will recover within a week. Severe dengue fever can be life-threatening. Anyone with belly pain or tenderness, bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood or blood in the stool, continued vomiting, or feeling tired or restless should seek medical attention. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin expects active mosquito season
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles in Texas: El Paso resident with virus travels to Austin
The Brief People in Austin may have been exposed to the measles by an El Paso tourist The El Paso resident visited Austin from April 25-27 APH said the resident visited Terry Black's Barbecue on April 26 AUSTIN, Texas - An El Paso resident infected with measles traveled to Austin at the end of April. Now, Austin Public Health is warning people who may have been exposed to the virus. According to Austin Public Health (APH), the person was visiting Austin from April 25-27. Possible measles exposure in Austin What we know The El Paso Department of Public Health gathered limited details about the person's trip to Austin. One confirmed location of potential public exposure was at Terry Black's Barbecue at 1003 Barton Springs Road on Saturday, April 26, from 8-11 p.m. More locations of potential public exposures could be added. If you were at Terry Black's Barbecue during that time: Contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you don't have one, call 512-972-5555 and APH can help connect you to care Anyone who was at the restaurant at that time should monitor themselves for measles symptoms through May 17 What they're saying "Measles doesn't recognize city or county lines," said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. "Whether you're a resident or a visitor, the best protection is vaccination. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and protects not just you, but those around you." "Preventing the spread of measles takes a collective effort," said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. "Our city has the tools to stop this virus. Stay informed, stay protected and help protect others." What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Illness onset (high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes) begins a week or two after someone is exposed. A few days later, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People with measles should stay home from work or school during that period. Symptoms of Measles Common symptoms of measles include: High fever (as high as 105°F) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The "measles rash" typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body. How to prevent getting measles The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. Some vaccinated people can occasionally develop measles; however, they generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to other people. The Source Information from Austin Public Health and previous coverage
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Travis County measles case update: What to know about possible exposure.
The adult who became Travis County's second confirmed measles case of the year traveled in and out of the state on an airplane, local officials said Monday. Dr. Desmar Walkes with the Austin-Travis County Health Authority said contact tracers with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Texas Department of State Health Services are contacting passengers who were on the same plane as the agencies work to determine where the Travis County-based adult contracted the highly contagious virus and if they could have spread it. The person is only experiencing mild symptoms because they had received the measles vaccine, Walkes said. 'Those who are unvaccinated face severe symptoms that could lead to hospitalization and even death," Walkes, also the medical director for Austin Public Health, said at a news conference. Measles poses such a high risk because 90% of people who are unvaccinated or do not have natural immunity will contract the virus if exposed to it. Two doses of the vaccine gives a person about 97% protection, according to Austin Public Health. The first confirmed measles case to crop up in Austin this year was an unvaccinated infant who was exposed to the virus while traveling overseas, officials said in February. Children must be at least 1 year old to receive the vaccine. The two measles cases are the first in Travis County since 2019 and come amid an ongoing outbreak in West Texas. Local health officials have said the adult who contracted the virus visited several public places around the city earlier this month that are now considered exposure locations. They include: An office building at 300 Colorado St., from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16. Maaribu coffee shop, 1413 South First St., from 8:45 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 17. Curra's restaurant, 614 E. Oltorf St., from 5:45 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17. Starbucks, 1920 E. Riverside Drive from 10:08 a.m. to 12:08 p.m. Friday, April 18. UPS Store, 2407 S. Congress Ave, Suite E, from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Hestia restaurant, 607 W. Third St., No. 105, from 5:45-11 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Walgreens, 1920 E. Riverside Drive, Building B, from 8:45 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 20. Pueblo Viejo restaurant, 2410 E. Riverside Drive, Suite H-8, from 8:45 a.m. to noon, Sunday, April 20. CareNow Urgent Care, 1920 E. Riverside Drive, Suite A110, from 8 a.m. to noon, Sunday, April 20. Walkes said anyone who was present at the locations at the listed times should contact their healthcare provider to discuss possible exposure and monitor themselves for symptoms through May 11. Anyone who does not have a provider can call 512-972-5555 to be connected to care. Measles symptoms include fever, cough, rash, watery eyes, runny nose and small white spots inside the mouth and throat. Austin Public Health is continuing to provide the measles vaccine (MMR vaccines: measles, mumps and rubella) at its mobile clinics, as well as brick and mortar locations. 'Vaccination is the best defense against this highly contagious and deadly disease,' Mayor Kirk Watson said at the Monday news conference. Adults who have not been vaccinated previously can receive the MMR vaccine. A first dose provides about 93% protection after two weeks and a second dose provides about 97% protection. Staff reporter Nicole Villalpando contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin-area measles case update: What to know about possible exposure.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles is back in Texas with two cases in Houston. Here's what you need to know.
Measles has returned to Texas, with two cases confirmed in Houston last week. No cases have been found in Central Texas, but measles is a worry for health officials, causing Austin Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services to issue alerts. 'Vaccination is our best defense against measles and other preventable diseases,' said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. 'By staying up to date on vaccinations, we not only protect ourselves but also the most vulnerable members of our community.' Measles is highly contagious and it is airborne. If one person with measles walks into a room, 90% of people who are unvaccinated or do not have natural immunity will become infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If another person breaths the contaminated air or touches an infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected. Measles also comes with days or weeks of illness, horrible side effects and lifelong complications or death. "We've seen those cases after measles or chicken pox with complications in the brain and body," said Dr. Edgar Navarro Garza, a pediatrician at Harbor Health. "Their quality of life will never be the same." Children younger than 5, pregnant women, adults 20 and older if they have not had the vaccine or whose bloodwork does not show an acceptable level of immunity, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease. A fever of 101 degrees or higher A rash lasting more than three days, which typically begins at the hairline and progresses down the body Cough Runny nose Conjunctivitis in the eyes Bluish-white spots in the back of the mouth or red-rose background Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but then one big thing changed. People decided not to vaccinate their children with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. One dose of the MMR vaccine is typically given at 12 to 15 months and then a second at 4 to 6 years. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are required by kindergarten to enroll in public schools unless you get an exception. Now 89.6% of kindergarteners are fully vaccinated in Travis County, 94.8% in Williamson, 95.1% in Hays, 94.9% in Bastrop and 96.9% in Caldwell. Once vaccinations reach below 95%, infectious disease specialists worry about the loss of herd immunity to protect people who are unvaccinated or cannot be vaccinated for health reasons such as a cancer diagnosis. "It's a very, very rare situation when a child should have a medical exemption," said Dr. Elizabeth Knapp, a pediatric chief at Austin Regional Clinic. Last year, there were 284 cases in the U.S. and none in Texas. The last big outbreak was in 2019 when the U.S. had 1,274 cases, according to the CDC. That year, Texas had 23 cases, including one in Austin. The CDC has not updated this month's cases, and might be limited with public health alerts it issues under new Trump administration guidelines. Contact your primary care provider or you can go through Austin Public Health. You can get vaccinated as an adult if you have not been vaccinated previously. Austin Public Health offers vaccines for free or at reduced rates for children and adults who do not have insurance or have Medicaid or are underinsured. The typical cost is $13 for children and $25 for adults. You can make an appointment at 512-972-5520 for either of the clinics at 405 W. Stassney Lane in South Austin or the 7500 Blessing Ave. in Northeast Austin. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Measles returns to Texas as vaccination rates fall
