Latest news with #WCCHD
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Measles in Central Texas: 6 cases detected in Williamson County
The Brief Texas reported 6 measles cases in Williamson County on Friday. The county reported its second case on Tuesday. The cases are not believed to be connected to the outbreak in West Texas. WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas - The Texas Department of State Health Services reported six measles cases in Williamson County on Friday. What we know On May 22, WCCHD confirmed the county's first case: a child from Leander who attended Bar W Elementary in Liberty Hill ISD. Earlier this week, Williamson County and Cities Health District announced a second confirmed measles case in Leander. The unvaccinated adult is no longer believed to be infectious. The resident was also not present in Williamson County while they were contagious. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the six Williamson County cases are not believed to be connected to the measles outbreak in West Texas. What we don't know Information about the other four cases was not immediately available. What they're saying "We had it controlled, and for it to come back in full force like it is, that's kind of a surprise, but after COVID to be honest, no telling what you're going to have come back," said Sandi Ferrer, a Williamson County resident. As families go about summer activities, like the Ferrar's, it's something that will stay in the back of their minds. "Everybody's had shots, but they have two younger brothers who are 3 and 9 months, and so that's a concern," said Ferrer. "The 9-month-old, especially, because he's not eligible to take the shot." Williamson County did not comment on the state's new cases, but WCCHD's Dr. Amanda Norwood did speak last week about why even one case is a concern. "What we know about measles is that it is a highly infectious disease," said Norwood. "We do know that it can linger in the air for up to two hours even after the infected person leaves the space." That's why she points back to the basics: monitor any cold and flu-like symptoms and get the vaccine. "Make sure that you are preventing against measles, staying vigilant, making sure that we're paying attention to signs and symptoms, then even as an individual, making those choices for you-you are having a positive impact on the community," said Norwood. The state says they don't believe there's any concern for future exposure to the virus, at least regarding the new cases, but Liberty Hill ISD is asking families to monitor their health until mid-June for potential exposure. Why you should care 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 from about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People with measles should stay home from work or school during that period. 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. 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. If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider before arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival without exposing other people to the virus. Measles is extremely contagious and can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against the virus. Review your and your child's vaccination history to see if you are up-to-date on your measles vaccines. Additionally, discuss with your provider your vaccination history and any questions about these vaccines. People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset. During an outbreak, people without documented immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection should be isolated from anyone with measles to protect those without immunity and control the outbreak. According to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, schools and childcare settings shall exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days after the last date the unimmunized child was exposed to a measles case. By the numbers Since late January, 738 measles cases connected to the West Texas outbreak have been confirmed by state officials. Two school-aged children have died from complications with the measles. Both were not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions, state health officials said. 94 other patients have been hospitalized. The Source Information in this article comes from the Williamson County and Cities Health District, an update from the Texas Department of State Health Services on May 30, 2025 and the Centers for Disease Control.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Second measles case confirmed in unvaccinated adult in Williamson County
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A second case of measles was confirmed in Williamson County on Tuesday. The case involved an unvaccinated adult resident from Leander, the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) said in a press release. According to officials, the individual is no longer in their infectious period and was not present in the Williamson County area while they were contagious. WCCHD, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), along with local health authorities said it will directly notify individuals who may have been exposed, the release added. All three agencies are actively working together to assess any potential contacts as part of the ongoing public health investigation. 'Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent the spread of measles and protect our community, ' said Dr. Amanda Norwood, WCCHD Medical Director. Norwood added 'two doses of the MMR vaccine offer safe, strong, long-lasting protection.' On May 22, KXAN reported Williamson County's first measles case was a school-age child from Leander. Liberty Hill Independent School District had sent a letter to parents informing them that the case involved a 'school-aged child who attended Bar W Elementary School,' KXAN reported. Other counties in Texas have reported cases, including Hays County. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, two cases have been reported in Travis County. More than 720 cases have been confirmed, with cases primarily in the outbreak area in West Texas since late January, DSHS said. If you think you've been exposed, or if you begin to show symptoms, WCCHD advised to contact your healthcare provider before going to a clinic or hospital, to help reduce the risk of exposing others. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
First measles case of the year confirmed in Williamson County
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — A measles case has been confirmed in a school-age child from Leander, marking the first case in Williamson County this year. The child is recovering at home under isolation, the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) said in a press release Thursday. The child was contagious starting May 15 and may continue to be so through May 24, WCCHD said. WCCHD is working with school officials and the Texas Department of State Health Services to notify anyone who may have been exposed. The family has chosen not to share details of the child's vaccination status or recent travel history with health authorities, which limits their ability to fully assess potential exposure risks and determine the infection source, WCCHD said. 'We respect the privacy of families while emphasizing that timely communication is critical in protecting the health of our Williamson County community,' Dr. Amanda Norwood, medical director and health authority for WCCHD, said. 'We strongly urge our neighbors in Williamson County to stay alert and take extra precautions at this time. It's critical to recognize the early signs of measles and act quickly to protect your family and those around you.' If you think you may have been exposed, or if you begin to show symptoms, WCCHD said to call your health care provider before going to a clinic or hospital, as calling ahead allows staff to take precautions to keep others safe. With federal cuts, Austin could be 'underprepared' for significant measles outbreak Health professionals stress the best way to protect from measles is to stay up to date on vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: one at the age of 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years old. Adults unsure of their vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider. More counties across Texas have reported cases in recent weeks, including Hays County earlier this week. Two cases have been reported in Travis County. More than 720 cases have been tied to an outbreak in West Texas since January, according to DSHS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
