LUBBOCK, Texas — An unvaccinated school-aged child who was hospitalized with measles has died, marking the first death in the current outbreak, according to Lubbock and state health officials.
Health officials on Wednesday said the child died within the past 24 hours.
In its latest update, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) said there were 124 cases of measles across Texas and the South Plains. DSHS said 18 patients were hospitalized.
Five cases were vaccinated, but the rest were unvaccinated. There were also nine cases in Lea County, New Mexico. Find more information about the latest measles update here.
Here are some symptoms to look out for that appear seven to 21 days after contact with the virus:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- 2-3 days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.
- 3-5 days after symptoms begin, a rash that appears flat anon d red may appear on the face and hairline. This rash tends to spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
What to do if exposed or symptomatic:
- Isolate yourself immediately to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- Contact your healthcare provider by phone to arrange testing in a way that minimizes exposure to others (do not show up unannounced).
- Watch for symptoms, which typically develop 7 to 21 days after exposure.
- Citizens who have questions about what they should do can also call Lubbock Public Health at 806-775-2933.
What to do if you need immediate medical care:
- Follow any signage on facility doors.
- Take protective measures such as wearing a mask when you enter the facility.
- Call the facility when you arrive and inform the front desk that you think you may have measles or if you’ve been around someone with confirmed measles.
- Limit the number of people who enter the facility. If possible, send one person inside to register.
When to seek immediate emergency care:
- High fever (over 103°F).
- Severe cough or difficulty breathing.
- Signs of severe complications like seizures, confusion, or extreme fatigue/weakness.
- Dehydration.
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