PFLUGERVILLE, Texas — Pflugerville ISD has alerted parents after an elementary school student was diagnosed with measles.
The district sent a notification to parents on Wednesday after a student at Windermere Elementary School was diagnosed by their doctor.
District officials said that while measles is highly contagious, they don't anticipate seeing any additional cases. Measles vaccines are required for school entry in Texas, but families can get exemptions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been only 277 cases of measles reported nationwide this year. Measles was declared to have been eliminated in the United States in 2000.
The CDC states measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Symptoms usually start with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash may follow that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
The CDC notes that measles can be serious, especially in young children. It can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death in rare cases.
However, two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are highly effective, providing about 97% protection against the virus. One dose can be about 93% effective.
The district did not share the student's condition or any other details. Parents are encouraged to review their children's vaccination records and look out for symptoms.