Many of you have heard about the Measles outbreak and may be worried - is it near me? Is it here in San Saba County?
Here is an update from Marsha Hardy, San Saba County Emergency Management Coordinator: As of Thursday, February 27th, the San Saba County of Emergency Management verified confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services that “there are no Measles cases within Region 7; there is testing being done but no cases”…
The San Saba News & Star will keep you updated on the local situation with the Measles outbreak.
Below is an article on the Measles outbreak written by Gary Borders (State Capital Highlights):
Measles outbreak spreading in South Plains region - By Gary Borders
The number of people identified as having contracted measles has risen to 90 since late January, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Of that number, 16 have been hospitalized.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities,” a DSHS news release stated.
Gaines County, between Lubbock and Midland, has reported the largest number of cases: 57 as of last Friday. Five of the people contracting measles said they had been vaccinated against the virus.
Most of the cases have been reported in children from infancy to age 17. DSHS said the best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com