48 Measles Cases Reported in the South Plains Area

LUBBOCK, TX — The Texas Department of State Health Services reports an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of the state, including Gaines, Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum Counties.

To date, 48 cases have been identified, with symptoms starting within the last 3 weeks. 13 of the affected individuals have been hospitalized.

All the cases are either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.

Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, more cases are expected in Gaines County and surrounding areas. DSHS is collaborating with the South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate the outbreak.

Here is the breakdown of cases by county:

• Gaines: 42
• Lynn: 1
• Terry: 3
• Yoakum: 2
  Total: 48

Age Breakdown of Measles Cases:

• 0-4 years: 13
• 5-17 years: 29
• 18+ years: 5
• Unknown: 1

Most of the cases involve school-aged children, and symptoms have appeared within the past 3 weeks, according to Lubbock Public Health.

Measles is a serious disease that can cause severe complications, especially for children. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets and can remain contagious in the air for up to 2 hours.

Lubbock Public Health urges everyone over the age of 1 who has not been vaccinated to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. To help stop the spread of the virus, Lubbock Public Health is offering the MMR vaccine for free to anyone aged 1 or older who has not yet been vaccinated.

The next vaccination clinics will take place at Lubbock Public Health on February 18, 19, and 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The vaccine is also available at local provider offices and pharmacies.

Measles Symptoms:

Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• 2-3 days after symptoms begin, small white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth
• 3-5 days after symptoms start, a red, flat rash may appear on the face and hairline, then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.

What to Do if Exposed or Showing Symptoms:

If you think you've been exposed to measles or are showing symptoms:

• Isolate yourself immediately to prevent spreading the virus
• Contact your healthcare provider by phone to arrange for testing while minimizing exposure to others
• Monitor your symptoms, which typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure

What to Do if You Need Immediate Medical Care:

If you need immediate medical attention, follow any signage at healthcare facilities. Let the front desk know you think you may have measles or have been exposed to someone with confirmed measles.

When to Seek Emergency Care:

If you or your child experience any of these signs, seek emergency care immediately:

• A high fever over 103°F
• Severe cough or difficulty breathing
• Symptoms like seizures, confusion, or extreme fatigue/weakness
• Dehydration