EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — City-County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza briefed County Commissioners Court on Monday, April 14 on the status of the measles outbreak saying vaccinations are the best defense against the virus.
Since April 8, there have been eight confirmed cases of the measles in the El Paso area, including one at Fort Bliss. As of April 14, the Texas Department of State Health Services has recorded 541 cases, the majority of which have infected people who are not vaccinated. This number makes up 79% of all infections within the United States.
“We still do not have an effective treatment, and we’re still seeing, unfortunately, hospitalization and death from the measles, which is not just another common rash disease. It is something that could turn serious,” Ocaranza said.
Complications that can arise from having the measles include pneumonia and inflammation in the brain – both of which can have long-lasting effects and result in death.
During Ocaranza’s presentation, he shared that a health advisory was issued to the medical community in February to prepare those is the field for the infections that had already begun spreading in Gaines County, Texas.
In addition, Ocaranza said that El Paso County had one of the highest rates of vaccinations in the state with 96.37% of children having their MMR vaccine by kindergarten and 98.83% by the seventh grade. For a community to reach herd immunity, 95% of the population needs to be fully vaccinated.
“We’re much more confident and much more comfortable that we can contain it, but also very cautious because we know how things can get going quicker and then that becomes an issue,” said El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego.
The last time El Paso experienced a measles outbreak was in 2019 where six people contracted the disease.
Despite these numbers, health officials are still urging El Pasoans to take precautions, especially ahead of the Easter holiday where large gatherings may occur.
Ocaranza recommends getting vaccinated, isolating or quarantining anyone who is showing symptoms and avoid traveling to areas where there have been recent outbreaks.
With Ciudad-Juarez just across the border, Ocaranza said the County is also working to vaccinate those who cross into El Paso to further reduce the spread of measles into Mexico.
“What we try to do is eliminate barriers for people to come and receive the vaccine. We don’t ask for any immigration status. We don’t ask where they live. If they’re here at our footsteps and they need the vaccine, we will be providing the vaccine,” said Ocaranza.
For more information on the measles and where you can get vaccinated, you can visit the City’s website: Measles Information.
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