With several confirmed cases of measles in West Texas and around Lubbock, it's important to remain informed and proactive about your health. The majority of confirmed cases were school-aged children and identified with symptom onset in the last two weeks.
Measles is highly contagious, can spread easily, and leads to severe complications. Early signs and symptoms include high fever, watery eyes, red and splotchy rash, cough, tiny white spots in the mouth, and runny nose. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours.
Signs & symptoms that may appear in 7 to 21 days after exposure:
- High fever
- Watery eyes
- Red, splotchy rash
- Cough
- Tiny white spots in mouth
- Runny nose
Groups most at risk of contracting measles when exposed are pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, infants under 12 months, and those who are unvaccinated. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles and helps protect you and those most at risk around you.
If you suspect that you or your little ones has contracted measles, contact your PCP immediately for next steps. Please avoid bringing them into doctor's offices or other public areas to help prevent the spread the best we can. Be proactive about your health and contact your physician or pharmacy for your MMR vaccine to protect yourself and others against measles.
If you're exposed or start to develop symptoms:
- Isolate yourself
- Call your physician
- Watch and track your symptoms
If you run into any issues/illness in the meantime, come see us at Lubbock Primary Care! We have several providers and locations around town ready and committed to you and your health. We help you deal with your everyday illnesses and urgent care needs, manage your chronic conditions, and reach your health and wellness goals.
Lubbock Primary Care Locations
South Quaker Location: 11007 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-701-4040
Southwest Milwaukee Location: 10709 Milwaukee Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-207-3703
Central University Location: 5015 University Ave. Unit B1, Lubbock, TX | 806-797-4357
Midland Location: 1300 W Wall St., Midland, TX | 432-684-4488
