DeTar Healthcare System Urges Crossroads Residents to Take Precautions Amid Growing Measles Outbreak
2/27/2025
Victoria, TX – DeTar Healthcare System is urging residents in Victoria and the Crossroads area to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families as Texas experiences a significant measles outbreak. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed 124 measles cases in the state since late January, and the first death, an unvaccinated school-aged child, was reported on 2/25. The outbreak has been centered in the South Plains and Panhandle regions, but serves as a strong reminder of the importance of vaccination and vigilance across all of South Texas.
Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory virus that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with droplets from an infected person. It poses the greatest risk to young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, and can lead to severe health issues. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, roughly one out of every five people infected during an outbreak ends up needing hospital care, with complications ranging from pneumonia and brain swelling (encephalitis) to premature birth and, in rare instances, death. DSHS also emphasizes that the most reliable way to protect yourself and your family from measles is to receive the recommended two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, typically given as part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization series. Receiving both doses offers strong protection against the virus.
“We want families here in Victoria and the Crossroads to understand that although the current outbreak is centered in northern and western Texas, diseases like measles do not respect regional boundaries,” said Leslie Hanslik, RN, BSN, CIC, Infection Prevention at DeTar Healthcare System.
“As measles cases continue to rise across Texas, it’s important for everyone in our community to be aware of the symptoms and take simple steps to protect themselves and those around them. If you or your child develop a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash that starts on the face and spreads, stay home and call your healthcare provider before going anywhere in person. Practicing good hygiene—like frequent handwashing and covering coughs—also helps reduce the spread of illnesses, including measles. And if you’re planning to travel to areas experiencing outbreaks, check your vaccination status and be extra cautious in crowded places.”
Preventative Steps You Can Take to Help Prevent Measles Infection (per CDC & DSHS)
Vaccinate: Ensure all family members are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC and DSHS recommend:
- First dose at 12 to 15 months of age
- Second dose at 4 to 6 years of age
- Adults born after 1957 should check their immunization records and receive at least one dose if unsure of immunity
Know the Symptoms: Measles typically starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, tiny red spots in the mouth, followed by a distinctive rash that spreads downward starting from the face to the rest of the body.
Stay Home if Sick: Anyone with measles-like symptoms should stay home and call their healthcare provider before visiting any clinic or hospital to avoid exposing others.
Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can reduce the spread of many viruses, including measles.
Be Cautious When Traveling: If traveling to areas with known outbreaks, ensure you and your children are vaccinated and take extra precautions in crowded public areas.
If you or a family member develops symptoms or has been exposed to someone with measles, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call ahead before arriving at any clinic, on demand care, or emergency department so that appropriate precautions can be taken to protect other patients and staff.
DeTar Healthcare System will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with local and state health officials to provide updated information to the public.
For more information on measles and vaccination recommendations, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/measles.
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