DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - Denton County Public Health says one patient has been diagnosed with measles. It's the first case in Denton County this year and the seventh reported in Texas in the past few days.
Health officials will not say where the patient lives, what locations they have visited or how old they are. They do say the health department is taking steps to contact people who may have been exposed. They do not believe there are any other cases connected to this patient so far.
Symptoms can include a red rash, fever, a cough, runny nose, and sore throat. A person with the virus is contagious for just over one week. The virus can be spread by coughing and sneezing and is considered to be highly contagious.
"Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles,” stated Dr. Matt Richardson, Denton County's Director of Public Health. “Unfortunately, people think that measles is just a rash and fever but measles can cause serious health concerns, especially in young children, and is highly contagious. Vaccination is incredibly effective at protecting those we love from this infection."