Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has confirmed its first case of measles in a resident for 2025.
The confirmed case involves a female in her mid-20s who, despite being fully vaccinated, contracted the virus.
According to DCHHS, this individual was contagious from May 30, 2025, to June 7, 2025.
Health officials are alerting the public about potential exposure risks for those who were present in specific locations during that time.
Individuals who visited Lemma Coffee in Plano on May 31 between 9 a.m. and noon, or First Baptist Plano on June 1 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., may be at risk.
DCHHS has stated that the woman received appropriate medical care, and public health officials are actively working to identify and inform individuals who may have been exposed.
The source of the woman’s measles exposure is currently unknown, making this an isolated case under ongoing investigation.
Dr. Philip Huang, Director at DCHHS, emphasized the importance of protecting public health in Dallas County.
He stated, “Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of all Dallas County residents.
We are actively investigating this case and working to identify any individuals who may have been exposed.
The best way to protect yourself from measles is to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to ensure full protection.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly nine out of ten individuals who are not immune will contract measles if exposed.
While most children recover from measles, complications can occur, leading to severe health issues such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is confirmed as both safe and effective in preventing measles infections and minimizing the severity of the disease.
The first dose of the vaccine is recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months, followed by a second dose between 4 to 6 years of age.
Immunization is a requirement before children can enter public kindergarten programs across the United States.
Historically, prior to the introduction of the vaccine in 1963, the United States experienced approximately 3 to 4 million measles cases annually.
Currently, case numbers have dramatically reduced to fewer than 200 in a typical year.
Contrary to misleading claims, there is no verified link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Vaccination rates play a crucial role in public health, as communities with vaccination rates above 95% provide collective protection against diseases like measles through herd immunity.
However, vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic, with an increasing number of parents opting for religious or personal exemptions from required vaccinations.
In 2024, the U.S. experienced a spike in measles cases, including an outbreak in Chicago that affected over 60 individuals.
In response, Gaines County reported one of the highest rates of exemption among school-aged children in Texas, with approximately 14% of K-12 students opting out of at least one required vaccine for the 2023-24 school year.
This statistic is likely to be understated, as it does not account for homeschooled children whose data is not recorded.
To combat potential outbreaks, health officials are conducting vaccination clinics and screening efforts throughout Texas, collaborating with schools to educate communities on the importance of immunization and providing easy access to vaccinations.
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