HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department confirms there’s an active positive case of measles in the metro area.
The person visited the Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center at Voss, prompting the hospital to alert others of their potential exposure.
This situation came to light through a Click2Houston Help Desk ticket submitted by Ray, who didn’t want to share his last name.
Ray, a patient at the center, shared his experience after receiving a call on Monday, March 17, about potential exposure to measles during his visit to the emergency care center last week.
Daniel Brown, a media relations specialist for Houston Methodist, confirmed that the Houston Health Department reported the positive case.
“As soon as we were notified, we alerted all of those potentially exposed out of an abundance of caution,” Brown stated in a statement to KPRC 2.
Brown added that people who have had an MMR vaccination are likely immune, and those unsure about their vaccination status should contact their primary care physician.
The state health department’s measles outbreak website shows there are 20 additional confirmed cases, bringing the total to 279 statewide. Most of those cases in Gaines County with people who aren’t vaccinated.
In an interview with KPRC 2, Dr. Marina Rubin, the site medical director of the pediatric emergency department at HCA Kingwood, provided insights into what individuals should do if exposed to measles.
“First and foremost, you need to know that it’s a confirmed measles case that you were exposed to,” Dr. Rubin emphasized.
Dr. Rubin advised that those who are vaccinated should still quarantine for 21 days to prevent spreading the virus to others, particularly those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or too young to be vaccinated.
Dr. Rubin also highlighted the importance of understanding one’s immunity status.
“The biggest concern is whether or not they’re [immune to measles],” Dr. Rubin explained.
“Because a lot of people are worried about measles without confirmed cases. Just simple fever and rash that people might see them, might misinterpret it as measles.”
For pregnant women exposed to a confirmed measles case, Dr. Rubin mentioned the possibility of post-exposure prophylaxis, but stressed the importance of acting quickly, as it is only effective within six days of exposure.
Although Ray, who is vaccinated against measles, felt relieved to be informed.
Ray appreciated the hospital’s proactive approach to notifying potentially exposed individuals and emphasized the importance of vaccination.
“Being vaccinated just does give you a relief when it comes to situations like this,” Ray advised. “Anybody to get vaccinated if there are vaccines possible for any kind of disease.”
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Dr. Rubin concluded with reassurance, advising people not to panic.
“You need to really know whether or not the exposure was to a confirmed case” Dr. Rubin said.
The CDC states measles symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus. Measles typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, kolpik spots, and rash.
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