An Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Texas is on lockdown in an effort to stop the spread of measles.
The Department of Homeland Security says two detainees at the ICE holding center in Dilley, Texas, have confirmed active measles infections.
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“ICE Health Services Corps immediately took steps to quarantine and control further spread and infection, ceasing all movement within the facility and quarantining all individuals suspected of making contact with the infected,” DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
The facility is the same one where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, were held after being detained in Minnesota. A judge ordered their release, and they returned to Minnesota on Sunday.
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While at the facility, Liam’s mother complained about conditions, saying her son became sick from the food.
DHS has repeatedly defended the facility’s health care services, saying it provides comprehensive medical care to people in ICE custody.
“This includes medical, dental and mental health services as available, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care,” McLaughlin said.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. Children are routinely vaccinated against measles between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose recommended between ages 4 and 6. Infants as young as 6 months may receive the vaccine if they are considered at increased risk.
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However, global vaccination rates have in recent years and the U.S. is on pace to lose its measles elimination status.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles can cause the following symptoms:
- Pneumonia
- Brain Damage
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Diarrhea
