Three Cases of Measles in Ector County While Cases Surge Nationwide

Only three measles cases in Ector County so far have been clinically diagnosed.

According to NewsWest 9, there have been 704 cases reported nationwide so far in 2019.

Measles symptoms include high fever, rash, pneumonia, and in extreme cases brain inflammation and death.

"It's one of the most contagious because it is carried in the nasal passages and in the oral passages," said Gino Solla, Ector County Health Dept. Director.

It is so contagious that if an infected person coughs or sneezes, almost all of non-vaccinated people within the area the infected person is would become infected.

Doctors are urging people who do not know if they have had the measles vaccine or who have never gotten the second vaccine to get vaccinated again as a precautionary measure.

"For children ages 0-18, they are required to receive two doses. The first one at the age of one and the second one between the ages of four and six. Anybody 18 years of age or older is usually recommended to get two doses as well," said Rennia Geers, Ector County Immunization Program Manager.

Doctors also urge people traveling outside the U.S. to get vaccinated before leaving the country.