First confirmed case of measles reported in North Texas since the outbreak began
The first confirmed case of measles in North Texas since the outbreak began has been reported, officials with Rockwall County announced.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported an adult resident with measles on Feb. 25.
Dr. Dirk Perritt, the Rockwall County Health Authority, said all direct contacts with the individual have been notified for observation. The individual had contact with four people who were at risk of exposure, Perritt said, including first responders who have been given instructions on how to quarantine.
Officials said this confirmed case is not related to the outbreak in West Texas and "is being closely monitored." According to Rockwall County Emergency Management Coordinator Jarrod Rosson, this individual contracted measles while overseas and became sick when they returned home.
Perritt said he would be very surprised if we don't see more measles cases pop up here in the next few weeks.
"There's always a level of concern when you have a case of measles," said Perritt. "I've been practicing emergency medicine for 20 years, and I've only seen two cases of measles in those 20 years. And so, being that there is an outbreak in West Texas, we just need to be extra vigilant that we're not missing these cases that arise in our community."
This is the first case of measles confirmed in Rockwall County in more than 6 years. In a county with more than 100,000 residents, local health officials have already taken steps to prevent an outbreak.
"We just want to reassure our citizens that we are taking every precaution," said Rosson. "We're being very proactive about this."
While it's rarely deadly, measles can be and it's highly contagious, according to doctors. The recent outbreak comes at a time when there's a growing movement against vaccines, including one for measles.
"There has been a lot of distrust of the medical community, especially after COVID," Perrit said. "However, I respect those parents that have those questions and concerns. There is never a zero risk to any medication, any vaccination; however, the vaccine for measles is one of the most widely tested vaccines in human history. And that risk is extremely small."
Measles death reported in Texas
The first measles death in Texas was reported Wednesday morning. A child who was hospitalized with measles died from the illness in West Texas, state and local health officials announced.
Lubbock health officials and DSHS said the patient who died was an unvaccinated school-aged child who passed away in the last 24 hours.
As of Wednesday, the Texas Health Department reported at least 18 hospitalizations in the outbreak, which is primarily affecting children and teenagers. Nearly all of those who have been reported ill in Texas were unvaccinated. Nine cases have been reported in neighboring New Mexico.
As many as 1 in 20 children with measles will develop pneumonia, CDC data shows. In some cases, measles can cause severe infections in the lungs and brain that can lead to cognitive issues, deafness or death.
While most people's symptoms improve, about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people will be hospitalized, 1 out of every 1,000 will develop brain swelling that can lead to brain damage, and up to 3 of every 1,000 will die.
The symptoms of measles include:
- High fever, up to 105°F
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Rash: typically appears 3–5 days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downward
Preventive measures and recommendations
- Vaccination: The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. Check your immunization records and ensure you and your family members are up to date.
- Protect high-risk groups: Individuals with weakened immune systems, older adults, and very young children need extra caution to avoid exposure.
- Stay home if you're ill: If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself at home and consult a healthcare professional to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
- Wash hands frequently: Regular handwashing with soap and water helps minimize the spread of infectious diseases.
