Midland Health Department confirms measles case, investigates potential exposures

(March 20, 2025)

The Midland Health Department has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident.

“This case is potentially linked to international travel; however, further testing is underway to determine the exact location of exposure,” the Health Department reported. “The Department is actively investigating the case, conducting contact tracing, and working with state health officials to identify any potential exposures.”

The Midland Health Department is taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of further transmission. Those steps include:

· Conducting contact tracing to notify individuals who may have been exposed.

· Providing fact sheets and FAQs about measles on the Midland Health Services website and social media pages.

· Coordinating with State Health Officials to monitor and manage the situation.

The Health Department reminds Midlanders that measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected person.

“It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of unvaccinated people around them will also become infected. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, meaning individuals can become infected even without direct contact with a sick person.

For those who believe they have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms, the Health Department recommends:

· Stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.

· Call your health care provider or the Midland Health Department before visiting a medical facility to arrange testing in a way that minimizes exposure to others.

· Monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure.

“Vaccination is the best protection against measles,” the Health Department reported. “The Midland Health Department offers the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for individuals who are unvaccinated. Residents are encouraged to check their immunization records and speak with their healthcare provider about their vaccination status.”

Facts about Measles

Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:

· High fever (above 101°F)

· Cough

· Runny nose

· Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

· Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth (2-3 days after symptoms begin)

· A red, flat rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

· People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it develops.

Information about immunity

· People born before 1957 are usually considered immune.

· Those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are also considered protected.

· Vaccination, even shortly before or after exposure, may prevent or lessen the severity of measles.

· In certain high-risk individuals (such as pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and unvaccinated infants), immune globulin given within six days of exposure may help prevent infection.

For more information on measles, visit our website or contact the Midland Health Department at 432-681-7613. Updates will be provided on our Facebook page to keep the community informed.