Texas measles outbreak a concern for Oklahoma
By SHANNON MUCHMORE World Staff Writer on Aug 22, 2013, at 2:34 AM Updated on 8/22/13 at 4:52 AM
Health & Fitness
An investigation into a Tulsa dentist has revealed that one person contracted hepatitis C as a direct result of a visit to that practice, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Tulsa Health Department.
Continuing coverage: Read more on the investigation here.
The majority of West Nile cases do not develop into serious illness, but many affected this year in Oklahoma have developed threatening symptoms.
OKLAHOMA CITY - An outbreak of measles in Texas has Oklahoma health officials concerned about the highly contagious disease possibly spreading across the border.
There are no reported cases of measles in Oklahoma. The last case in the state was in 1997, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
The age range of cases in Texas is from 4 months to 44 years, according to the Health Department.
"We are worried about the current outbreak of measles in Texas, because measles is very contagious, spreads like wildfire and can be very serious," Lori Linstead, director of the immunization service for the Oklahoma Health Department, said in a statement.
Measles symptoms include high fever and a red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash usually appears about two weeks after exposure and lasts four to seven days.
People can spread the disease about four days before the rash appears to four days after its onset.
Most at risk are those who have not been vaccinated.
The first dose of the measles vaccine is recommended at 12 to 15 months, and the second dose is given at 4 to 6 years.
Health & Fitness
An investigation into a Tulsa dentist has revealed that one person contracted hepatitis C as a direct result of a visit to that practice, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Tulsa Health Department.
Continuing coverage: Read more on the investigation here.
The majority of West Nile cases do not develop into serious illness, but many affected this year in Oklahoma have developed threatening symptoms.
