How many measles cases are in Texas? What are the symptoms you should look out for?
DALLAS — Texas has reported over 140 measles cases, including one in North Texas, with a child in Lubbock dying from the virus, according to health officials.
The number of cases in the West Texas outbreak rose by 22 on Friday, bringing the total to 146.
In North Texas, the only reported case has been in Rockwall County. On Thursday, the Mexia Independent School District clarified that a case previously thought to be measles was actually rubella.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) releases updated data every Tuesday and Friday.
Measles Cases in Texas: Where Are They?
The majority of measles cases have been concentrated in the South Plains region of West Texas, where 146 cases have been confirmed. Most cases have been among unvaccinated children, although five vaccinated individuals have also contracted the virus, health officials said.
Gaines County leads with 98 cases, followed by Terry County with 21.
Among the West Texas cases, 116 have involved children under 17.
Rockwall County reported the second measles case in Texas. The individual is an unvaccinated adult, according to officials. Additional details on the case are provided below.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Mexia ISD in Limestone County confirmed a case of German measles (rubella), marking Central Texas’ first known case of the virus. It’s still unclear whether the individual is a child or adult.
Is There a Death Linked to Measles in Texas?
Yes. On Wednesday, state officials reported the death of a school-aged child in Lubbock who tested positive for measles. The child, whose age was not disclosed, had been hospitalized and was unvaccinated, according to health officials.
While this marks one fatality, 18 individuals have been hospitalized in connection to the West Texas outbreak. The Rockwall County case also involves a hospitalized patient.
Measles in North Texas: What’s Happening?
Yes. One measles case was reported in Rockwall County on Feb. 25. Health officials confirmed that the patient is an unvaccinated adult and is currently hospitalized. It’s unclear whether they have other health issues that may complicate their condition.
The patient recently traveled internationally, and health experts believe they contracted the virus abroad. There’s no indication that the person visited public places while contagious, and details on their travel or illness timeline remain unclear.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can have serious complications. According to the CDC, “Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk,” and two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine offer the best protection.
Symptoms of Measles
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, and include:
- Early Symptoms:
- High fever (above 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- White spots inside the mouth (2–3 days after symptoms begin)
- Measles Rash:
- Appears 3–5 days after initial symptoms.
- Starts as flat red spots on the face, spreading downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.
- Small raised bumps may appear atop the flat red spots, which may join together as they spread.
The rash often coincides with a high fever.
How Does Measles Spread?
Measles spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves. Symptoms usually don’t show up for 7 to 14 days, making it difficult to detect early. Infected individuals are contagious about four days before showing symptoms.
What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Measles
If you believe you’ve been exposed to measles, the DSHS recommends:
- Stay home from work, school, or group settings until at least four days after the rash appears.
- Isolate, especially if you’re unvaccinated.
- Call your doctor ahead of time for testing to prevent spreading the virus.
- Unvaccinated children must be excluded from schools and childcare for at least 21 days from exposure, per Texas law.
For more on school exclusion guidelines, check the Texas Administrative Code.
Risks of Measles
Measles can lead to severe health complications, particularly in children under 5. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea, while more serious risks include pneumonia and encephalitis. Pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with leukemia or HIV, are also at greater risk.
Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno from Children’s Medical Center Plano emphasizes that children under 5 who haven’t been vaccinated are most vulnerable to complications. Adults are less likely to be at risk due to prior vaccination or immunity from past infection.
Vaccination: How to Protect Against Measles
The CDC notes that measles was eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, but vaccination remains the best protection.
- Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first at 12-15 months, and the second at 4-6 years, although the second dose can be given earlier, as long as 28 days have passed since the first dose.
- College students and other adults who have not been vaccinated should receive one dose, or two doses if they are at high risk.
For full vaccination schedules, visit the CDC’s website.
Dr. Whitworth also advises families with infants too young for the vaccine to take extra precautions, ensuring that parents and other caregivers are up-to-date on their vaccinations and avoiding contact with sick individuals.