Officials said the individual who contracted measles is now out of the hospital.
Officials said the individual who contracted measles is now out of the hospital.
ROCKWALL COUNTY, Texas — Health officials in Rockwall County have confirmed the first reported measles case, but they do not believe the infected individual visited any public places while contagious.
Despite the low risk of exposure, places like daycare centers are remaining vigilant, ensuring they take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of illnesses.
At Kiddie Academy Daycare Center in Rockwall, cleanliness is a daily priority.
“Today’s germs are going to stay with today, and tomorrow, it’s all new, everything squeaky clean,” said Alaura Wilson, director of the center.
Wilson said deep cleaning is done before and after every day to help prevent the spread of any illness.
“Any illness, we’re not going to want to spread. We tend to take a preventative approach at all times,” said Wilson.
On Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the first measles case in Rockwall County.
Jim Barto, a county spokesperson, said the infected person is an unvaccinated adult who recently traveled internationally, which is how officials believe they contracted the disease. Barto said there’s no indication that others were exposed, and they don’t believe the individual traveled anywhere while contagious.
“Right now, we are not worried about any other people being exposed outside of our emergency personnel,” said Barto.
The individual has since been released from the hospital.
Rockwall ISD sent a letter to parents and guardians.
Dear Rockwall ISD Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and Staff,
Rockwall ISD is aware of the confirmed adult measles case in Rockwall County. Our Health Services staff actively monitor illnesses daily and maintain communication with the Rockwall County Local Health Authority and our Regional Health Department. At this time, there are no reported cases within our schools.
We remain committed to the health and safety of our students and staff and will continue to follow guidance from health officials, including notifying families and staff of any confirmed cases in our schools. If you believe you or your child has symptoms of measles or has been exposed to someone with measles, please contact your healthcare provider immediately and notify the school nurse.
Measles typically begins with mild to moderate fever (up to 105℉) and malaise. Usually, within 24 hours, there is the onset of a cough; eye inflammation or red eyes (conjunctivitis) and eyes may be sensitive to light; sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose (coryza); Koplik’s spots (bluish-white specks inside the mouth on the lips or cheeks usually opposite the molars). The rash usually appears within 3-4 days of the initial symptoms and begins as flat, faint eruptions. Then, it becomes more raised and rapidly spreads over the entire face, neck, upper arms, and chest. The rash can be severe, forming large rash masses, or can be mild, appearing as a pinpoint rash.
Again, if you believe you or your child has symptoms of measles or has been exposed to someone with measles, please contact your healthcare provider immediately and notify the school nurse.
Sincerely,
Rockwall ISD Health Services Department
Wilson, at Kiddie Academy, said she isn’t worried about a spread either, emphasizing their ongoing cleaning practices.
“At the end of the day, we use an additional sanitizer that’s going to spray all the toys, we mop with it,” she said.
WFAA Anchor Dia Wall held a Q&A with the Chief of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Health, Dr. Jeffrey Kahn. Watch the full video below
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