The measles outbreak in Texas continues, with now 124 confirmed cases reported throughout the state. The latest news includes a confirmed case in Rockwall County near Dallas (not believed to be connected to the West Texas outbreak) and the death of a unvaccinated, school-age child.
At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, our providers are closely monitoring the outbreak and encouraging parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, especially in young children, who are at the highest risk for severe complications. If you believe your child to be at risk for measles and need them to be seen by one of our pediatric specialists, please review this information beforehand.
What to Look Out For: Symptoms of Measles
Measles often starts with flu-like symptoms before progressing. Parents should watch for the following:
Early Symptoms (7-14 Days After Exposure)
- High fever (often over 103°F)
- Persistent cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Loss of appetite and fatigue
2-3 Days After Symptoms Begin
- Koplik spots – small white spots inside the mouth, near the cheeks and gums
- Fever may spike higher
3-5 Days After Symptoms Begin
- Red rash develops, typically starting on the face and spreading downward
- Fever may spike again (up to 104-105°F)
- Child may become more irritable, weak, or uncomfortable
5-6 Days After Rash Appears
- Rash begins to fade, and fever starts to subside
- Fatigue and coughing may continue for several days
Measles lasts for several weeks, and during this time, children should be monitored closely for worsening symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Parents should contact a doctor immediately if their child has:
⚠ Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing (possible pneumonia)
⚠ Severe dehydration (no urination, dry mouth, extreme drowsiness)
⚠ Uncontrollable fever (104°F or higher) that won’t go down
⚠ Seizures or confusion (signs of encephalitis, a serious brain complication)
If you suspect measles, call ahead before visiting a clinic or urgent care to prevent exposing others.
Need quick medical advice? Our Little Spurs telemedicine team can help assess your child’s symptoms virtually.
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How Measles Spreads
Measles is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and even breathing the same air as an infected person. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, meaning your child can be exposed without direct contact with an infected person.
A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
The MMR Vaccine: Highly Effective Protection
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against measles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses. Children typically receive their first dose at 12-15 months old and a second dose at 4-6 years old. While no vaccine is 100% effective, measles outbreaks primarily occur in unvaccinated individuals, making immunization a crucial step in reducing the spread of the virus.
Little Spurs is Here to Help
At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, we understand that measles can be worrying for parents, and our providers are here to help. If you have questions about symptoms or need guidance on care, we encourage you to reach out.
✔ We are monitoring the situation closely in San Antonio and San Marcos
✔ Our pediatric experts are available to evaluate children with concerning symptoms
✔ We can help determine next steps for care and recovery
If your child is showing any symptoms of measles, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care can test your child for measles with a PCR swab, which is sent to a lab for results. Little Spurs has 11 locations in San Antonio and eight in Dallas-Fort Worth and sees children from the ages of 0-21 years old on a walk-in basis. Little Spurs is accredited by the Urgent Care Association.
