First Case of Measles Confirmed in Amarillo, Texas

It’s something that’s been slowly popping up around Texas, but for the most part, the Texas Panhandle has been immune to it.

Well, Amarillo and Canyon are immune no more. Measles has officially entered the area as the first case has been reported, and in one of the worst places you can think of.

How Contagious Are Measles + Why Is It Affecting Texas?

Before I get to where the person diagnosed with it was, let me give you a brief rundown on measles.

If you’ve been vaccinated against the virus, you are immune to it and can’t catch it. However, lately, many people have decided NOT to vaccinate their kids against it.

Measles are highly contagious. If someone in a room with the virus coughs, it can linger in the area for up to an hour.

Read More: Fourteen Cases Of Measles Reported In West Texas County

Are Texans in Any Danger from Measles?

Short form answered? Yes, they’re very dangerous. It can range anywhere from being a mild illness to being fatal.

Those that are immunocompromised are very much at risk of death, and children are also at higher risk since their immune systems haven’t fully developed.

Where Were Measles Reported In Amarillo & Canyon?

Here’s where things get a bit dicey. A message was sent out to all parents that have students in the Canyon Intermediate School District this evening, Friday, April 4.

The message stated that a staff member at Canyon Intermediate School had contracted the virus.

The message mentioned that the last time the staff member was in the school was March 28. There is no word on how many people that staff member may have come in contact with before their last day on campus.

What Symptoms Should Texans Look Out for with Measles?

Because we don’t know at this time if the staff member had been on campus while having the virus, there is a chance your child or loved one could have come in contact with it.

Signs and symptoms you want to be watching out for include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, small white spots in the mouth, and a red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.

Get our free mobile app

Who Should I Contact in Texas if I Think I've Been Exposed to Measles?

If you believe you or your child has been exposed, contact your healthcare provider first to get in and get checked. Do not just go in without contacting them first.

You can contact Amarillo Public Health at (806) 378-6300 or visit amarilloalerts.com for more information.

Canyon ISD is already working on the cleaning of the school containing the staff members and following all recommended protocols.