Measles Outbreak in Texas Raises Concerns Across State Lines

Health officials are doing all they can to stop a rash of Measles cases in Texas which authorities are calling an outbreak hoping it doesn't spread to other states like Washington.

YAKIMA HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE WATCHING THE SITUATION URGING VACCINATION

Stephanie Ruiz with the Yakima County Health District says while there are no local cases reported they're closely monitoring the situation. She says health officials are watching the situation closely because one case has been reported in King County "linked to travel."
The last known case of Measles in Yakima County was reported in 1990.

SO FAR SO GOOD WITH VACCINES

According to the Washington State Department of Health a community needs a minimum of 90% of its members to be vaccinated to help prevent measles outbreaks. They say in Washington State 98.5% of K-12 students have been immunized against the disease.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES?

How do you know if you have Measles? Ruiz says Measles often starts with a cough, high fever, runny nose, red watery eyes followed by a red rash.
She says the best defense is the MMR vaccine with two doses seeing about a 97% prevention rate.

MEASLES CAN SPREAD FAST AND EASY

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain in the air for up to two hours in an isolated space.
Ruiz warns it's a highly contagious disease "if one person has it up to 90% of unprotected people nearby can become infected."
Check with your doctor to make sure you are protected with the MMR vaccine.