Measles Case Confirmed in Dallas County
A Dallas County woman has tested positive for measles, the first case in a county resident since 2019.
Officials at Dallas County Health and Human Services announced the case on Thursday.
The patient is a fully vaccinated woman in her mid-20s, according to the announcement. The woman is no longer contagious, and health officials are working to notify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.
Measles Cases in Dallas County
Including the case announced Thursday, there have only been three reported measles cases in Dallas County residents in the past decade, according to county health official Katy Womble. There was one case in September 2017 and another in March 2019, Womble wrote in an email.
Thursday’s announcement did not indicate whether the new Dallas County case could be connected to the large measles outbreak that began in West Texas earlier this year. Womble wrote in an email that the Dallas County patient did not report any recent travel.
Possible Exposure Locations
Dallas County health officials said people may have been exposed to the positive measles case at the following places and times:
- Lemma Coffee Co. in Plano, from 9 a.m. to noon on May 31
- First Baptist Church of Plano, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on June 1
What to Do if You Think You Have Measles
Health experts have said that anyone who believes they may have measles should call their doctor’s office or other medical center before going in person to minimize the chances of exposing additional people.
Measles Outbreak in Texas
Texas has reported hundreds of measles cases this year, largely due to the outbreak that began in West Texas in January. The outbreak currently totals 744 cases reported in Texas, including 96 hospitalizations and two deaths. There are also additional, connected cases reported in New Mexico and Oklahoma.
How Measles Spreads
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people. The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after a person has left.
Measles Vaccine
The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age, with the exception of people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Stay Informed
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Conclusion
The confirmed case of measles in Dallas County serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and the need for individuals to be aware of the risks of measles. By staying informed and taking precautions, we can work together to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
Q: How is measles spread?
A: Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can also be spread by touching surfaces that have the virus on them.
Q: Can measles be prevented?
A: Yes, measles can be prevented with the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which is highly effective at preventing the virus.
Q: What should I do if I think I have been exposed to measles?
A: If you think you have been exposed to measles, you should call your doctor’s office or other medical center before going in person to minimize the chances of exposing additional people.
