March 14, 2025 – Four confirmed cases of the measles have been reported by the Paris-Lamar County Health District. The instances of measles were in persons from 5-months-old to adult age.
The Paris-Lamar County Health District says the four people are unvaccinated against the measles and came to Lamar County from Gaines County in West Texas during their recent measles outbreak.
The Health District is actively investigating the cases with the help of the Texas Department of State Health Services. They are working to contact people who were potentially exposed to the measles and warned that more cases of the “highly contagious” disease may occur, especially among those who haven’t been vaccinated against it.
Officials say that symptoms of the measles include the following conditions:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- And a rash, typically starting on the face and spreading downward 2 to 5 days after initial symptoms.
The health district says anyone exposed or experiencing symptoms should isolate themselves immediately and contact their healthcare provider to arrange testing in a safe manner.
Those infected can spread the disease four days before and four days after getting the measles rash.
The measles vaccine becomes 93% effective 10-14 days after the first dose, and offers full protection after second dose is given 4-6 weeks after first dose.
