El Paso confirms 3 new cases of measles
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso confirmed three new cases of measles in an update given on Monday afternoon, April 14, bringing the total to eight in the El Paso region.
The newly confirmed cases involve an unvaccinated female infant, a vaccinated male teenager, and a woman in her 30s with unknown vaccination status.
Health officials have initiated contact tracing to identify potential exposures and are coordinating with state partners to prevent further spread of the virus, the City said.
Although approximately 98 percent of El Paso County residents are vaccinated against measles, public health officials remain concerned about unvaccinated pockets within the community. Unvaccinated individuals remain at the highest risk of infection.
'The measles vaccine (MMR) is highly effective, but like all vaccines, it is not 100% foolproof. Two doses provide about 97% protection. In rare cases, vaccinated individuals may still contract measles — especially during outbreaks or when immune response is compromised. However, this is not a common occurrence, and those who are vaccinated and do become infected typically experience milder symptoms and are much less likely to develop serious complications or transmit the virus to others,' the City said.
The City said anyone who has visited the following locations on the dates and times listed should check their immunization status and monitor themselves for symptoms.
Ysleta ISD also confirmed that there is a measles case at one of its campuses.
The Ysleta Independent School District said in a statement issued Monday afternoon, April 14 that the City Public Health Department had identified a case of measles at Hanks High School.
The Ysleta ISD did not say if the measles case was a student, staff or faculty.
Last week, the City of El Paso confirmed there have been five measles cases in the El Paso region, including one at Fort Bliss.
Ysleta ISD said in a statement on Friday that there was a measles case at Bel Air High School.
Here is the complete statement from Ysleta ISD:
'Today, the City of El Paso Department of Public Health identified one case of measles at Hanks High School; health officials are investigating and conducting contact tracing. Ysleta ISD will reach out to any Hanks High School parent whose child was found to be in contact with the positive measles case, and is following all procedures as prescribed by district and city health policies.
'To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community, Ysleta ISD is performing fogging procedures at all campuses with an anti-virus solution to help mitigate the potential for further measles exposure. We will continue to work closely with health officials on this matter and remain committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment at all of our schools.
'For reference, about 34,000 students are enrolled at Ysleta ISD; only 0.6% of our students have NOT had the measles vaccine, which is 97% effective and typically offers lifelong protection to those who have received it.'
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