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KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - One case of measles has been confirmed in Bell County.

According to the Bell County Health District, there were four possible cases under investigation. As of
Wednesday, February 6, three of the four possible cases have been ruled out as measles.

The confirmed case of measles is in a child residing in Western Bell County. The child is not
school aged and was too young to have been vaccinated, according to health officials. The child has had very limited contact with the public and all family members are up to date on vaccinations.

Vaccination remains the most effective method for preventing measles, according to the Bell County Health District. Measles is highly contagious and early identification remains a critical public health measure to reduce the spread of the disease.

Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious febrile rash illness caused by a virus transmitted via the
respiratory route. The incubation period averages 10-12 days from exposure and it typically takes
about 14 days from exposure to the virus for a rash to develop.

The early symptoms generally last 2-4 days and include fever often peaking at 103°-105°F.

Fever is followed by the onset of cough, runny nose, and/or eye inflammation. Koplik spots, while
not always present, are considered to be a characteristic measles symptom and appear as blue-white
spots in the mouth and throat. This typically occurs 1-2 days before rash to 1-2 days afterwards.

The measles rash is another characteristic symptom that usually begins at the hairline and gradually
proceeds to face and upper neck and from there downward and outward. Other symptoms of
measles include loss of appetite, diarrhea (especially in infants).

Complications can include otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures and death.

Children can be vaccinated once they are 12 months old.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of the virus should call their physician.

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