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 outbreakHealth 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.
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