First measles case confirmed in Bell County
BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) – The Bell County Public Health District (BCPH) has announced its first confirmed case of measles.
BCPH says the resident is an unvaccinated adult. The organization is investigating this case for any further information or potential community exposures, including identifying the status of recent international or domestic travel.
According to BCPH, measles is a highly contagious viral infection which can cause life-threatening illness or death, especially in babies and children. It is spread through the air or close contact. Measles is a vaccine preventable disease with a 97 percent effectiveness rate when fully vaccinated.
BCPH says measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. A person can become infected by breathing contaminated air or touching contaminated surfaces then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Those with measles are contagious about four days before their rash starts to four days after it appears. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area.
According to BCPH, measles can cause serious illness in all age groups. However, certain groups are more likely to suffer complications such as pneumonia or brain swelling from measles. The groups of people at highest risk for measles complications include all individuals who are not vaccinated or have not previously had a measles infection; children younger than five years old; pregnant women; and people with weakened immune systems coming from leukemia or HIV infection.
The first measles symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after being exposed to measles. They include mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, and/or red, watery eyes. Two to three days after symptoms start, small, white spots appear inside the mouth, referred to as Koplik spots. Three to five days after symptoms start a blotchy red, flat and raised rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body and a high fever (may spike to over 104 degrees F) begins.
BCPH says to seek emergency care immediately if these symptoms appear, including a hard time breathing or breathing faster than normal, severe cough; signs of dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less than usual); or seizures, confusion, decreased alertness, or severe weakness. For young children, seek help immediately if they have a blue color around the mouth, crying without making tears, unusually low energy, or severe appetite loss.
BCPH says that if you develop symptoms and suspect you may have measles:
· Isolate yourself and call a healthcare provider before visiting an emergency department, urgent care, or clinic so they can prepare for your arrival.
According to BCPH, the most effective way to prevent measles infection and the spread of disease is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended for:
· Children: Two doses – the first given at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years old. The second dose can be given as early as four weeks after the first dose, regardless of age. You should speak to your child's pediatrician for more information about recommended immunizations.
· Adults: Anyone who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine or has not previously had measles.
· Talk to your healthcare provider before travelling internationally. Measles is found around the world.
BCPH says to talk to your healthcare provider about your vaccination status and where to get the MMR vaccine. Bell County Public Health provides the MMR vaccine to people who meet the eligibility criteria for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program.
For more information about BCPH's Immunizations Program and immunizations in Texas, you can go here or call (254) 532-9800, Ext. #1404.
Additional resources are below:
https://bellcountyhealth.org/top_alert_detail.php
www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
Measles (Rubeola) | Texas DSHS
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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