Report: Measles Outbreak Spreads to Dallas County
According to Dallas County Health and Human Services, a woman in her mid-20s has contracted the measles — a highly contagious respiratory virus. This virus can be transmitted by direct contact with an infectious person, or airborne through a person’s breath, cough, or sneeze. The measles can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours.
She was reported to have been contagious from May 30 – June 7. During that time, she visited a coffee shop in Plano and The First Baptist Plano Church.
Officials are still working toward identifying and notifying individuals who may have been in contact with her and exposed to the disease while visiting those locations. Though the source of the woman’s exposure is currently unknown, they believe her outbreak is not connected to the recent outbreak in West Texas.
As officials continue to investigate, they’ve provided some tips on how you can prevent contracting the virus as well as how to detect if you are sick.
They say the best way to protect yourself is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to receive full protection.
What should you expect if you’ve contracted the virus?
After a week or two of being exposed to the disease, you’ll experience the following: A fever as high as 105, a cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin. You may also experience a rash 3-5 days after other signs of an illness. The rash typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body.
The best way to stay protected is to get the vaccine before contracting. If you have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and contact your health care provider.
Report: Measles Outbreak Spreads to Dallas County was originally published on majic945.com
