Measles Outbreak Spurs Warnings In Ellis County

DALLAS, TX — Texas health officials are trying to find out what spawned a small outbreak of the measles in Ellis County in recent weeks. Six cases of the infection have been confirmed since the Department of State Health Services first notified the public of possible measles exposure at ShowBiz Cinemas in Waxahachie on Jan. 9.

According to a statement from the health department, none of the reported cases were connected to the movie theater, but officials warn anyone who went to the theater that day to monitor themselves for symptoms.

The measles virus is very contagious, and officials warn it's possible more cases will occur in the communities of Waxahachie and Midlothian, as people with confirmed cases have connections to both towns.

Symptoms of measles include fever, rash, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis, or pink eye. It can take as long as two weeks for symptoms of the measles to appear, and people showing symptoms can be contagious for several days.

Anyone who thinks he or she has been been exposed to the virus should call a doctor and stay home except in extreme circumstances. It’s important to call one's doctor in advance so the provider can take precautions to help protect staff and other patients.

The health department issued a health advisory for health care facilities and providers in the area reminding them of proper infection control, testing and treatment practices for measles.

File photo: In this photo illustration, vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter at a Walgreens Pharmacy on January 26, 2015 in Mill Valley, California. (Photo by Illustration Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)