LUBBOCK, Texas — In its latest update, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) said there were 124 cases of measles across Texas and the South Plains.
DSHS said 18 patients were hospitalized. Five cases were vaccinated, but the rest were unvaccinated. The disease is highly contagious.
Here are the cases in each Texas county:
- Dallam – 4
- Dawson – 7
- Ector – 2
- Gaines – 80
- Lubbock – 1
- Lynn – 1
- Martin 3
- Terry – 21
- Yoakum – 5
Here are the age ranges of the measles cases:
- 0 to 4 years – 39 cases
- 5 to 17 years – 62 cases
- 18 and up – 18 cases
Information for five were still pending.
The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles. Health officials previously warned a person from the outbreak area who was later diagnosed with measles had visited San Marcos and San Antonio during the weekend of February 14-16 while they were contagious. You can find a list of locations where an exposure may have occurred here.
In New Mexico, officials said the case count was up to nine. Health officials said all the cases were in Lea County. There were no deaths reported so far, just hospitalizations. A free measles vaccination clinic was set up for February 26 and 27 at the Hobbs Public Health Office.
Lubbock is also hosting free vaccine clinics at 2015 50th Street. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak.
Here are some symptoms to look out for that appear seven to 21 days after contact with the virus:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- 2-3 days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.
- 3-5 days after symptoms begin, a rash that appears flat anon d red may appear on the face and hairline. This rash tends to spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
What to do if exposed or symptomatic:
- Isolate yourself immediately to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- Contact your healthcare provider by phone to arrange testing in a way that minimizes exposure to others (do not show up unannounced).
- Watch for symptoms, which typically develop 7 to 21 days after exposure.
- Citizens who have questions about what they should do can also call Lubbock Public Health at 806-775-2933.
What to do if you need immediate medical care:
- Follow any signage on facility doors.
- Take protective measures such as wearing a mask when you enter the facility.
- Call the facility when you arrive and inform the front desk that you think you may have measles or if you’ve been around someone with confirmed measles.
- Limit the number of people who enter the facility. If possible, send one person inside to register.
When to seek immediate emergency care:
- High fever (over 103°F).
- Severe cough or difficulty breathing.
- Signs of severe complications like seizures, confusion, or extreme fatigue/weakness.
- Dehydration.
