Details of Potential Exposure

The Collin County Health Department has identified the locations frequented by the infected individual as follows:

• Walmart – 6001 N. Central Expressway, Plano (April 10 and 11)
• Ross – 3300 N. Central Expressway, Plano (April 11)
• Dollar Tree – 2404 K Ave, Plano (April 11)

Officials advise unvaccinated individuals and those with compromised immune systems to monitor for symptoms through Sunday.

Current Measles Outbreak in Texas

As of late January, Texas has reported a total of 561 confirmed cases of measles. The past week has seen an increase of 20 new infections, with additional cases taking place in North Texas, including Rockwall.

Among the confirmed cases, there have been 58 hospitalizations and, regrettably, two fatalities of unvaccinated children from West Texas near Lubbock—the original epicenter of the outbreak.

Updates from the Texas Department of State Health Services are anticipated, with new data to be provided every Tuesday and Friday.

Other Measles Cases Reported in Texas

In addition to the ongoing outbreak, there have been other reported cases state-wide; however, these are not connected to the West Texas outbreak and appear largely linked to international travel:

• Harris County: 4 cases
• Fort Bend County: 1 case
• Rockwall County: 1 case
• Travis County: 1 case

Understanding Measles

Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory virus that spreads through direct contact with respiratory droplets or airborne transmission when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can persist in the air for up to two hours post-exposure.

Symptoms generally manifest between 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (2-3 days post-exposure)
• A rash that develops approximately 3-5 days after initial symptoms.

Infected individuals are contagious from approximately four days prior to the appearance of the rash until four days after.

Vaccination Insights

According to current data on confirmed cases:

• Not vaccinated or unknown vaccination status: 550 cases
• Vaccinated with one dose: 4 cases
• Vaccinated with two or more doses: 7 cases

Health officials emphasize the importance of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, with two doses offering robust protection against the disease. While there is still a possibility of infection among vaccinated individuals, their symptoms tend to be milder, and they are less likely to transmit the virus to others.