PLANO, Texas — Collin County health authorities are urging residents to be vigilant after a person who recently visited multiple retail locations in Plano tested positive for measles.
Potential Exposure Sites Identified
The Collin County Health Department has confirmed that the individual visited the following locations while infectious:
- Walmart – 6001 N. Central Expressway, Plano (April 10–11)
- Ross – 3300 N. Central Expressway, Plano (April 11)
- Dollar Tree – 2404 K Avenue, Plano (April 11)
Anyone who visited these locations on the specified dates — particularly those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised — should monitor for symptoms through Sunday and consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms arise.
Statewide Measles Update Expected Today
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is scheduled to release an updated report on measles cases later today, as part of its regular Tuesday and Friday briefings.
Since late January, Texas has reported 561 confirmed cases of measles — a highly contagious respiratory virus. In the last week alone, 20 new cases have been identified, including several in North Texas and Rockwall County.
Tragically, two unvaccinated school-aged children in the Lubbock area — the initial epicenter of the outbreak — have died due to complications from the virus.
Today’s update is also expected to include 19 newly reported cases in Upshur County, located in East Texas.
Breakdown of Additional Reported Cases
Though many recent infections are connected to the West Texas outbreak, several appear to be unrelated and linked to international travel. Additional confirmed cases by county include:
- Harris County: 4
- Fort Bend County: 1
- Rockwall County: 1
- Travis County: 1
Understanding Measles and Its Impact
Measles spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever (up to 105°F)
- Cough and runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- Rash beginning on the face and spreading downward
An individual is contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after. Health officials strongly recommend staying home from work, school, or public gatherings during this window.
Who Is at Risk?
Measles poses a significant threat to unvaccinated individuals and those with compromised immune systems. Of the 561 confirmed cases in Texas:
- 550 were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status
- 4 had received one dose of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine
- 7 had received two or more doses
Prevention Is Key
The most effective defense against measles is the MMR vaccine. Two doses provide long-lasting protection and significantly reduce both the severity of the illness and the likelihood of transmission.
While no vaccine offers 100% protection, vaccinated individuals typically experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the virus to others.
