2 days ago
First Measles Case Recorded In Dallas County
The first known case of measles has been confirmed in Dallas County, according to health officials.
Dallas County Health and Human Services says a woman in her mid-20s was contagious between May 30 and June 7. The fully vaccinated women who contracted the disease visited Lemma Coffee in Plano between 9 a.m. and noon on May 31 and First Baptist Plano between 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on June 1.
The highly contagious respiratory illness is transmitted via direct contact with infected droplets or through airborne spread. The virus can remain infectious in the air for upwards of two hours after an infected individual has left an area.
One to two weeks after exposure, measles symptoms often include a cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash often develops on the face a few days after the initial symptoms, spreading down the rest of the body.
'We have already prayed for her and continue to do so,' said Larry Wright, executive pastor at Forrest Community Church, a partner congregation that gathers at First Baptist Plano, per Fox News.
'I would emphasize that this did not happen during one of our worship services when our congregation was present. It was a partner congregation on a Sunday afternoon. A relatively small group.'
Dallas County officials say they continue to work to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease. So far, the source of the woman's exposure remains unknown, though it does not appear to be connected to a recent West Texas outbreak.
'Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of all Dallas County residents. We are actively investigating this case and working to identify any individuals who may have been exposed,' said Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Philip Huang.
'The best way to protect yourself from measles is to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to receive full protection.'
