Mega Doctor News
EL PASO, Texas — The City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed three (3) additional measles cases within the community. The new cases involve a 1-year-old male, a woman in her 30s, and a man in his 40s. The 1-year-old and the woman in her 30s were unvaccinated. The vaccination status of the man in his 40s is currently unknown.
Health officials have launched contact tracing efforts to identify anyone who may have been exposed and are working to mitigate the potential spread of the virus. State health officials have also been notified.
In response, the City has activated a public health awareness campaign and is collaborating with local hospitals, schools, clinics, and community organizations to share timely information and ensure coordinated prevention efforts.
While approximately 98 percent of El Paso County residents are vaccinated against measles, public health officials remain concerned about unvaccinated pockets within the community.
“We urge residents to ensure they and their children are up to date with their MMR vaccinations,” said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, City-County Health Authority. “Vaccination protects not just your family—it also reduces the risk of outbreaks and protects our most vulnerable neighbors.”
ABOUT MEASLES
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the head down to the rest of the body.
Infected individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash, with the day the rash appears considered Day 0.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Those at increased risk of contracting measles include:
· Individuals who are unvaccinated
· Recent travelers to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks
· Immunocompromised individuals, including pregnant women, people with HIV, and those undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment
FREE MEASLES VACCINATION CLINICS
Walk-in immunization services are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch), at the following DPH clinics:
· Lower Valley Community Clinic: 9341 Alameda Ave.
· Henderson Community Clinic: 721 S. Mesa St.
· Northeast Community Clinic: 9566 Railroad Dr.
· Westside Community Clinic: 7380 Remcon Cir.
To schedule an appointment, call (915) 212-6555.
For additional information on measles symptoms, vaccination, and potential exposure, the City of El Paso has activated a Measles Hotline at (915) 212-HELP (4357). Residents can also call 2-1-1 or visit EPHealth.com under the Vaccination & Immunizations tab.
