EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two additional measles cases on Thursday, March 5, bringing the total number of cases reported to six in city limits.
The two new cases involved two men in their 30s with unknown vaccination status.
KTSM previously reported in February that there were four cases involving a man in his 20s, a man in his 30s, and two women in their 30s with unknown vaccination statuses.
4 measles cases confirmed in El Paso; 13 at Camp East Montana
“Public health officials have initiated contact tracing to identify potential exposures and are coordinating with community partners to prevent further spread of the virus, while ensuring readiness and timely communication,” read a news release by the City of El Paso DPH.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, released a statement earlier this week, confirming that there were 14 cases of measles at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement migrant detention facility “Camp East Montana”.
Escobar: ICE sending sick migrants to El Paso hospitals for quarantine
“There are 14 active measles cases inside the facility, and 112 individuals are being isolated. This is on the heels of prior COVID and tuberculosis outbreaks there. I’ve also learned the alarming news that there has been an effort to quarantine detainees with measles at our local hospitals,” read the statement.
DPH has reported as of March 5, there is one measles case at the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility and one additional case reported at Camp East Montana, bringing the total number of cases at the federal facility to 14.
The federal facility is outside of City’s jurisdiction and case information for the facility is reported through federal authorities, read the news release.
The City’s public health laboratory has offered testing support when needed and provided vaccines for administration by on-site healthcare providers as part of prevention efforts.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread rapidly, especially among unvaccinated individuals. The measles vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing about 97 percent protection.
Measles can spread through coughing and sneezing, and can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone with measles leaves the area. Common symptoms include:
Fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes
Rash that begins on the face and spreads downward
Individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears (Day 0 is the day the rash appears)
Those at increased risk include:
Recent travelers to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks
Immunocompromised individuals, including pregnant women, people with HIV, and those undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments
“Public health officials recommend the MMR vaccine to prevent further spread of the disease. Adults under 68 years of age who do not have a record of receiving the vaccine are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems should not receive the vaccine,” according to DPH.
About 98 percent of El Paso County residents are vaccinated against measles. Public health officials say they remain concerned about unvaccinated or under-vaccinated pockets in the community.
DPH offers walk-in immunization services Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. — closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch — as a way to make vaccinations more accessible. Here are the following locations you can get your vaccines:
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.
Appointments can also be scheduled by calling (915) 212-0200.
DPH’s dashboard is available at EPHealth.com, under the “Measles Information” page that is updated daily around 9 a.m. and includes the number of confirmed cases, exposure locations, demographic summaries and vaccination status when available.
For more 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.
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