Texas is currently facing a growing measles outbreak, with 624 confirmed cases reported across the state. The latest case has been identified in Atascosa County, just outside of San Antonio.
At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, our team is actively monitoring the outbreak and encouraging families to stay informed. Young children are especially vulnerable to severe complications from measles, so it’s important for parents to recognize the signs early. If you’re concerned your child may have been exposed, please review the symptoms and guidance here before seeking care.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms
Measles can resemble a typical viral illness at first, but symptoms escalate in stages:
Initial Symptoms (7–14 Days Post-Exposure)
- High fever (often exceeding 103°F)
- Cough that won’t go away
- Runny nose
- Red, irritated eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Lack of appetite and tiredness
2–3 Days After Onset
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- Fever may increase
3–5 Days In
- A red rash typically begins on the face and spreads downward
- Fever can spike to 104–105°F
- Child may seem more irritable, exhausted, or unwell
After 5–6 Days
- Rash starts to fade
- Fever lowers
- Lingering fatigue and cough are common
Measles can last for weeks, so continuous monitoring is essential to catch complications early.
When to Call a Doctor
Seek urgent medical help if your child experiences:
⚠ Difficulty breathing or fast breathing (may indicate pneumonia)
⚠ Signs of dehydration (no urine output, dry mouth, excessive sleepiness)
⚠ Persistent high fever (104°F or higher)
⚠ Seizures or disorientation (possible encephalitis)
If you think your child has measles, please call ahead before visiting any medical facility to avoid exposing others.
If you suspect measles, call ahead before visiting a clinic or urgent care to prevent exposing others.
Our Little Spurs telemedicine team is available to provide quick, virtual evaluations if you’re unsure about your child’s symptoms.
Book a telemedicine appointment now
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 offers strong protection. According to the CDC, one dose is about 93% effective, and two doses increase protection to 97%.
Children usually receive:
- First dose: 12–15 months of age
- Second dose: 4–6 years of age
Outbreaks often affect those who haven’t been vaccinated, making immunization essential in preventing the spread.
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
✔ 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.
