Measles Case in Mexia ISD Confirmed as Rubella, Not Measles, Amid Statewide Outbreak
By Racheal Clark
A reported measles case within the Mexia Independent School District has been clarified as a false alarm by a state health official, who confirmed there is no measles case in the Mexia area. However, MISD officials maintain that a case of Rubella, also known as German Measles, was confirmed within the district.
The confusion began when the district nurse received an email from an individual claiming to have been diagnosed with measles. As misinformation spread on social media, MISD promptly followed its communication protocol to inform stakeholders of the situation. After further investigation, the district nurse contacted the treating physician, who confirmed the diagnosis was Rubella, not measles.
Rubella, while less severe than measles, is still a contagious viral infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rubella spreads through coughing or sneezing and typically causes a rash that starts on the face. It poses significant risks during pregnancy, potentially harming developing babies. The CDC emphasizes that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against Rubella.
In response to the confirmed Rubella case, MISD announced that all district facilities and buses would undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection. As a precaution, schools remained closed on Friday, Feb. 28, to mitigate the spread of the virus.
This development comes as Texas faces its largest measles outbreak in nearly three decades, with over 130 reported cases statewide, primarily affecting unvaccinated children. The outbreak, which began in early February, has also resulted in the first measles-related death in the U.S. in a decade—a child in West Texas. Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles and Rubella.
MISD has assured the community that it will continue to provide updates and resources as more information becomes available.
For more information on Rubella, visit the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/about/index.html.
