6 Unvaccinated People Infected With Measles in Ellis County

There have been six confirmed cases of measles in Ellis County contracted by people who have not been vaccinated, health officials announced Tuesday. Those who are involved in the outbreak have connections to Waxahachie and Midlothian, and it's possible more cases will occur because of how contagious measles are, Texas Department of State Health Services said. The first instance of possible measles exposure was announced Friday after someone who was contagious went to the movies Jan. 9 at the ShowBiz Cinemas in Waxahachie, health officials said. None of the five additional cases are connected to the movie theater, though people who were at the theater that day should continue to monitor themselves for measles symptoms through the end of the month. There was no risk of exposure at the theater beyond that day, officials said. The state health department issued a health advisory Tuesday for health care providers and facilities and encouraged them to measles as a possible diagnosis in patients with a fever and rash as well as a cough, runny nose or conjunctivitis.The six cases are the only known cases of measles in Texas in 2018. In 2017, one case of measles was reported in the state.   Continue reading...