Measles is Spreading: Help Protect Our Community

he Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting a measles outbreak in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, which can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not vaccinated. Measles can be prevented with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate and respond to the outbreak.

Find measles resources at the bottom of the page

Early symptoms (first few days):

• Moderate fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Sore throat

Later symptoms (after a few days):

• Blue-white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Red-brown rash that starts at the hairline and spreads down the body
• High fever (can go over 104°F)

The rash usually appears 14 days after exposure. Some immunocompromised people may not develop the rash.

When to seek emergency care

Measles typically starts with cough, runny nose, and red eyes and often leads to a rash and fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If you think you have measles, get medical care. Symptoms can become worse over time, complications can develop, and measles can be deadly if you don’t receive appropriate care. If you have any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately:

• A hard time breathing or breathing faster than normal
• Signs of severe dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less than usual)
• Confusion, decreased alertness, or severe weakness
• For young children: a blue color around the mouth, crying without making tears, unusually low energy, or severe loss of appetite

Have someone call the ER to let them know a person with measles is coming in so they can see you away from other patients.

How Long is a Person Contagious?

People are contagious about four days before their rash starts to four days after it appears. If you might have measles, stay home during this time.

How Measles Spreads:

• Through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks (the virus can live on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours).
• By touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Measles is a highly contagious virus; 90% of the people close to an infected person who are not immune will become infected with the measles virus.

How to Prevent Measles:

• The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. This is primarily administered as the MMR vaccine.
• The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Two doses prevent more than 97% of measles infections.

Contact your doctor to schedule a vaccine.

Pharmacists can vaccinate children aged 13 and under with a prescription from their doctor. They can vaccinate children 14 and up without a prescription.

If you live in west Texas, visit WTXvaccine.org to find a vaccine clinic near you.

DSHS offers several low-cost programs for vaccination. Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) ensures all Texas children, regardless of parent's ability to pay, have access to recommended vaccines.

For Additional Question, please contact our School Nurse

Dusty Mathews - LES & District Nurse

Karsen Letbetter - LHS/MS School Nurse