Protect Your Loved Ones: Amarillo Issues Measles Outbreak Safety Tips

We've all seen the news by now. The measles outbreak in West Texas is spreading, and it has even landed itself in Lubbock. It would be understandable if you started asking yourself what, if anything, you should do living in Amarillo. Fortunately, the City of Amarillo has released details to answer that very question.

What Is The Best Way To Protect Yourself And Your Loved Ones From Measles

In Amarillo, there are no cases of measles. That's the report given as of February 26. There have been cases reported in the South Plains and in the Texas Panhandle. It would be understandable if you were looking for ways to protect yourself and your loved ones...just in case.

According to the information released by the City of Amarillo, the best thing to do is be immunized against the measles. It is a highly contagious virus, and the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself.

Fortunately, if you choose to get the measles vaccine, Amarillo Public Health does provide them. You can get more information here.

What To Do If You Suspect You've Been Exposed To Measles

It's incredible just how contagious measles is. It can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. That means if a person is spreading it, it can still be there up to two hours after they leave the room.

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If you think you have been exposed to measles, you are urged to isolate yourself, and then contact your healthcare provider. You should call first so that they can have a plan to reduce the amount of exposure to the virus. You don't want to go walking into a full lobby.

You should also stay home until after the fourth day of rash onset. The first time you show a rash, that's day zero. Symptoms show up between 7 and 21 days after exposure. You can find out more here.

Take care of yourself.