An adult living in Rockwall County tested positive for measles this month after traveling abroad and not being vaccinated, health officials revealed. The person began experiencing symptoms shortly after returning to the country and was hospitalized before recovering at home. Contact tracing is underway, but authorities believe the case is isolated and did not involve public exposure. The outbreak in Rockwall County is not believed to be connected to the ongoing outbreak in West Texas, where an unvaccinated child recently died from measles, marking the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The Texas Department of State Health Services has identified 125 cases of measles across nine counties, with 18 hospitalizations. Since the virus is extremely contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours, health officials are urging the public to ensure they are up to date on their measles vaccinations to prevent further spread. If individuals suspect they have been exposed to measles, they are advised to isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider before seeking medical attention. Additionally, during an outbreak, schools and childcare settings are required to exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days to prevent further spread of the virus. Measles is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, making vaccination crucial for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.
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