Measles Outbreak Texas: What Murphy and Plano Families Need to Know Right Now

The measles outbreak Texas has been tracking since early 2025 is no longer just a West Texas story. As of March 2026, over 1,200 confirmed cases have been reported across the state and 31 states nationwide — and cases have already been confirmed right here in Collin County, including a reported exposure at a Plano Walmart. If you have children who are unvaccinated or overdue for their MMR shot, this is the moment to act. Here’s what you need to know.

How Close Did Measles Get to Murphy and Plano?

Closer than most families realize. In April 2025, Collin County Health Care Services confirmed that an individual who tested positive for measles visited three stores in Plano while still infectious: a Walmart on N. Central Expressway, a Ross Dress for Less, and a Dollar Tree. Shortly after, the first Collin County child case was reported in a middle school student in Lucas — less than 10 miles from Murphy.

This wasn’t a distant outbreak. It was in the same neighborhoods, the same shopping centers, and the same school zones that our patients’ families use every day. The good news is that two doses of the MMR vaccine are more than 97% effective at preventing measles. The not-so-good news is that measles is one of the most contagious viruses on earth — it can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

What Is Measles and Why Is It Back?

Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000. For two decades, it stayed that way. So why is it making a comeback in 2025 and 2026?

The short answer: vaccination rates have dropped below the threshold needed for community protection. Measles requires a 95% community vaccination rate to prevent outbreaks. In some Texas counties, that rate has slipped below 93% — and that small gap is enough for the virus to take hold. Once it finds unvaccinated individuals, it spreads fast. One infected person can transmit the virus to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people they come into contact with.

The current outbreak began in late January 2025 in Gaines County, West Texas, in a Mennonite community with low vaccination rates. It spread rapidly — reaching over 760 confirmed cases by August 2025, resulting in two child deaths and nearly 100 hospitalizations. By early 2026, new cases were continuing to emerge across the state and nationwide.

Measles Symptoms: What to Watch For

Measles doesn’t announce itself immediately. The virus has an incubation period of 7 to 14 days, meaning your child could be exposed today and not show symptoms for nearly two weeks. And here’s the tricky part: an infected person is contagious for about four days before the rash even appears.

Early Symptoms (Days 1–3)

• High fever — often 104°F or higher
• Persistent cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
• Small white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik’s spots) — a classic early sign

Later Symptoms (Days 3–5)

• A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs
• Worsening fever as the rash appears

If your child develops these symptoms — especially a fever with rash — call your doctor’s office before coming in. Do not walk directly into a waiting room. Measles can spread to others in the waiting area very quickly, including babies too young to be vaccinated.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Unvaccinated individuals of any age are at highest risk. But some groups face especially serious complications if they contract measles:

• Babies under 12 months — too young to receive the MMR vaccine, and more likely to develop severe complications
• Pregnant women — measles during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight
• Immunocompromised individuals — including those on chemotherapy or with immune disorders
• Unvaccinated children and adults — about 1 in 5 will be hospitalized; up to 3 in 1,000 infected children may die

About 1 in 1,000 children with measles will develop encephalitis (brain swelling), which can cause permanent brain damage or hearing loss. These aren’t rare worst-case scenarios — they’re documented outcomes from the current outbreak.

The MMR Vaccine: Your Best Protection

Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are more than 97% effective at preventing measles. This is the gold standard of protection, and it is the single most important thing you can do for your child and your community right now.

Standard Vaccination Schedule

• First dose: 12–15 months of age
• Second dose: 4–6 years of age

When to Vaccinate Earlier

If you are traveling to an area with active measles transmission, or if your child was potentially exposed, your doctor may recommend earlier vaccination. Babies 6–11 months old can receive an early dose, though they will still need the standard two-dose series starting at 12 months.

What About Adults?

Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to likely childhood exposure. Adults born after 1957 who received only one dose as children, or who are unsure of their vaccination history, should talk to their doctor about getting a booster. This is especially important for healthcare workers, teachers, and anyone who travels internationally.

Not sure if your child is up to date? Dr. Zaman’s office in Murphy can review your family’s vaccine records and administer any needed doses during a routine visit. Call us or request an appointment online.

A Note for South Asian Families in Collin County

Many families in our Murphy and Plano patient community maintain close ties with relatives in South Asia and travel internationally on a regular basis. It’s worth knowing that measles remains endemic in parts of South Asia, and several of the 2026 U.S. cases have been traced to international travel. If your family visits Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh, make sure all travelers are fully vaccinated before departure — including checking that older children and adults have received two documented MMR doses.

What to Do If You Think Your Child Was Exposed

1. Call your doctor first — do not come directly to the office. Let the staff know about potential exposure so they can take precautions.
2. Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure date.
3. Keep your child home from school and public spaces during the monitoring window if they are unvaccinated.
4. Get vaccinated immediately if your child is unvaccinated — a dose given within 72 hours of exposure may prevent or reduce the severity of illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is measles still spreading in Texas in 2026?

Yes. As of March 2026, Texas is among the states with confirmed measles cases, and the broader U.S. outbreak has surpassed 1,200 confirmed cases. The West Texas outbreak of 2025 was declared over in August, but new cases continue to emerge across the country. Staying up to date on MMR vaccination is the best protection.

My child had one MMR dose. Are they protected?

One dose of MMR provides about 93% protection against measles. Two doses bring that up to over 97%. If your child has only received one dose and the second is overdue, schedule it as soon as possible — especially given current outbreak activity in Texas.

Can vaccinated people still get measles?

It is possible but rare. Fully vaccinated individuals who do contract measles typically experience much milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the virus to others. Among confirmed 2025–2026 cases, 95% were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

How long is a person with measles contagious?

An infected person is contagious from about four days before the rash appears until four days after it shows up. The virus can also remain airborne in a room for up to two hours after the infected person has left. This is why measles spreads so efficiently in schools, waiting rooms, and public spaces.

Where can I get the MMR vaccine in Murphy or Plano?

Family Care USA in Murphy offers MMR vaccinations for children and adults. You can also check with local pharmacies — in Texas, pharmacies can vaccinate individuals 14 and older without a prescription. Children under 14 need a prescription to receive the MMR vaccine at a pharmacy. Contact Dr. Zaman’s office to schedule a vaccine appointment.

Resources

• CDC — Measles Cases and Outbreaks 2026
• Texas DSHS — Measles Outbreak Information
• Mayo Clinic — Measles Symptoms and Causes
• CDC — MMR Vaccine Information
• Collin County Health Care Services

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician before making changes to your family’s healthcare plan.