WT employee tests positively for measles

Canyon, Texas (KVII) – An employee of West Texas A&M was tested positively for measles.

The employee was last on campus on April 21.

“We work closely with the Amarillo Public Health Department to ensure adequate tracking and risk reduction in our community,” said WT.

What you need to know

• Date of Exposure: April 21st
• Location: WT classroom center -11.00 to 2 p.m.

Recommended measures if they were in this building

All students, faculties and employees should check their immunization documents to confirm that they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).

If you are not sure of your status, contact your Primary Care Provider (PCP) immediately.

If you have two MMR sockets, isolation is not required. Monitor the symptoms by May 12th. If symptoms develop, isolate immediately and contact your PCP before visiting a health facility.

If you only have a dose of MMR, you don’t have to isolate at this time. But you should get your second MMR dose as soon as possible if at least 28 days have passed since your first dose. Monitor the symptoms and follow your health service provider.

If you cannot be vaccinated or immunity cannot be confirmed, it is only on May 12th.

Monitor the symptoms

Mash symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and can include high fever, cough, running nose, red/aqueous eyes and an unmistakable rash.

When symptoms develop, stay isolated and immediately contact your health service provider.

If you test measles positively

Stay at home and avoid public places until at least four days after the rash. The day on which the rash appears is day 0.

Follow all insulation instructions from your health service provider and the Amarillo Public Health Department.

Preventive measures

Make sure that your MMR vaccinations are up to date (two recommended cans).

Practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing and stay at home when you feel uncomfortable.

By Friday there were 646 cases of measles in Texas. At least 15 of them are in Texas Panhandle.

One percent or less than 10 of the confirmed cases are estimated to be actively infectious.