With confirmed measles cases now in Gaines and Lubbock counties as well as in Houston, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is urging physicians to help with monitoring outbreaks by reporting any suspected cases immediately for investigation.
Previously, measles had not been seen in Texas since 2023 and had not been seen in Gaines County in over 20 years.
Most recently, DSHS confirmed two cases in school-aged, unvaccinated residents of Gaines County who were hospitalized in Lubbock and later discharged. Earlier this month, the disease was confirmed in two unvaccinated adults in Houston who had recently traveled internationally.
DSHS says it is working with the South Plains Public Health District and the Houston Health Department to identify exposure locations and notify those who may have been exposed. Meantime, recognizing the highly contagious nature of measles, DSHS urges vigilance and to immediately report any suspected measles cases to the local health department or DSHS regional office – if possible, while the patient is present to facilitate testing and public health investigation, including follow-up of potential exposures.
Physicians are strongly encouraged to submit throat or nasopharyngeal swabs for PCR and genotype testing by a DSHS public health laboratory.
Measles signs and symptoms include:
- A fever at or above 101°F (38.3°C), and
- Generalized maculopapular rash (which often begins at the hairline or scalp and progresses down the body) lasting three days, and
- Cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis.
A patient is contagious about four days before the telltale rash appears through four days after, but symptoms begin a week or two after exposure. Asking patients about travel to potential exposure areas and vaccination status will aid in diagnosis and care.
Get further clinical recommendations from DSHS in its related health alert.
Last Updated On
February 03, 2025
Originally Published On
February 03, 2025