First Texas Child Dies from Recent Measles Outbreak

The measles-related death of a Texas child has just been confirmed.

Lubbock health officials and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) have just confirmed the very first death due to measles. The child was unvaccinated and, according to the City of Lubbock website, "passed away in the last 24 hours."

CHILDREN MOST AFFECTED BY MEASLES

The recent influx of confirmed measles cases is mostly coming from children in West Texas. So far, 124 people have been infected and 18 have been hospitalized, however, there may be many more. The Chief Medical Officer at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Dr. Lara Johnson, admitted that the number isn't up to date and they've cared for 20 children with measles, all of who were unvaccinated.

While many of the cases are centered in West Texas, they may be moving south. San Antonio issued alerts to the public informing them of a potential exposure in the area.

MEASLES ROAMING AROUND SAN ANTONIO

A person who tested positive for measles traveled to high-volume areas in and near San Antonio. The infected person visited many major sites like the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas State University in San Marcus, San Antonio River Walk, and even Buc-ee's in New Braunfels.

"Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Anita Kurian, Deputy Deputy Director at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District.

MEASLES SYMPTOMS

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth
• "Measles rash” that typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body