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Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee
New numbers from the Centers for Disease Control show the measles outbreak in this country has grown to over 100 cases in more than a dozen states.
Flanked by doctors and medical officials at the Central Care Community Health Center in the 3rd Ward, Houston Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee announced what she’s doing about the outbreak.
“We do not have a crisis, we have a concern, and that is why my letter to the CDC was to ramp up the collaborative protocol — which they’re now doing — to ensure that we reach all people who are somewhat skeptical about the vaccinations,” said Jackson-Lee.
Gwendolyn Johnson manages health and medical services at the Houston Independent School District. She says monitoring for measles is an ongoing effort for schools.
“To be able to notify those parents where a case that occurred at school, they could notify those parents immediately. And also, they routinely look at when all vaccines are due and scheduled,” said Johnson.
Measles is spread by coughing and sneezing, and is an airborne disease which usually lasts two weeks.
Most people born after 1957 have been immunized, but officials say it’s important to get the message out that vaccines save lives.
Measles cases for the year are at 102.
Related articles:
- Group Blames Vaccine Hesitancy For Increase In Texas Pertussis
- Texas Department Of State Health Services Confirms Multiple Cases
- Developments in the Vaccination Debate
- Texas Children’s Vaccine Center