Measles Case Reported In Dallas, First Since 2017

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has confirmed its first case of measles in a Dallas resident since 2017. The individual was exposed to another confirmed measles case from Tarrant County at their workplace in Dallas County in March, DCHHS said in a news release.

There was not any additional public or workplace exposures since the patient stayed home during their period of potential contagiousness.

“This is a great example of a public health success story. We had great coordination with the Tarrant County Health Department and the employer. The patient voluntarily quarantined themself and therefore, there was no public exposure to this highly contagious virus. The DCHHS epidemiology staff are to be commended for their efforts," DCHHS director Dr. Philip Huang said in the release.

Measles is highly contagious and spread through the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes. It usually begins with fever (as high as 105 degrees), cough, runny nose, and red eyes, DCHHS said. These symptoms are followed by a rash that spreads from the head down to the hands and feet. The incubation period for this febrile rash illness is between 7 and 21 days. Patients are contagious from 4 days before rash to 4 days after onset of rash.

Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective against measles, and are recommended for all children, with the first routine dose at 12-15 months, and the second dose at 4-6 years, DCHHS said.

"Adults born after 1956 should receive at least 1 dose of MMR vaccine, unless they have other evidence of immunity," DCHHS added. "Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for international travelers, college students, and healthcare personnel. Adults without documentation of prior measles vaccination or immunity to measles can have measles IgG titers drawn, or they can be vaccinated without obtaining serology. There is no harm from administering additional doses of MMR vaccine."

If you are uncertain of your measles vaccination status or have questions, please contact your healthcare provider.