Dallas Doctors Watching for Signs of Measles Outbreak

Doctors and nurses in North Texas are now looking for any sign of measles in their patients.

"Fever, high fever, coughing runny nose and pink eye," said Nurse Practitioner Connie Lin with Children’s Health in Dallas, "and then they’ll also develop a very distinct pink ash."

With more than 100 cases in 14 states now tied to Disneyland in Southern California, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now warning of a “large outbreak” nationwide.

There are no cases so far in Dallas County, but health providers have been put on alert.

"The concern is unvaccinated children in North Texas," said Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Zachary Thompson.

"That phenomenon, of the number of people who are opting out is growing. And let me be very clear – if that number continues to grow, we’ll see not only measles outbreak but other situations," said Thompson.

The CDC said the vaccine is safe and effective and remains the best way to prevent measles from spreading.

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