Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS) has its first confirmed case of measles in an adult female, age 50-60, associated with recent international travel, county officials reported on March 30. This is the first reported measles case in Fort Bend County.

“I want to reassure our community that we are working closely with Health and Human Services to keep everyone informed,” said Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “Your safety and well-being remain my top priority. I urge all residents to check their immunization records, get vaccinated if necessary and stay vigilant for symptoms. Together, we can protect our families, neighbors and the greater Fort Bend community.”

Health officials are actively investigating the case and conducting contact tracing to identify possible exposures and limit further spread of the disease. “We want to reassure residents that our public health team is actively conducting case investigations and notifying potential contacts," said Dr. Gale-Lowe, Director and Local Health Authority of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services. "The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and provides strong protection against measles."

ABOUT MEASLES

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making it easy to contract in shared spaces.

SYMPTOMS

· High fever ≥101°F (38.3°C)

· Cough

· Runny nose

· Red, watery eyes

· Rash, typically starting on the face and spreading downward 2–5 days after initial symptoms

· Koplik spots (bluish-white specks or a red-rose background appearing on the buccal and labial mucosa usually opposite the molars)