April 17, 2025

As of last night, the information about the campus measles outbreak has hit the local news outlets. Just so you’re aware, we took the student in for a non-measles-related injury, but because he had been exposed, we notified the ER before taking him in. While he was there, they tested him for measles, which came back positive, and he developed the rash three days later.

As advised beforehand, please direct people's questions to the Upper ALERT Administration Staff, and provide them with the information we sent in our last email, Measles Guidelines & Recommendations.

As we continue to have cases among our students and staff, there may come a time when you might need to transport an exposed person or an active measles case patient to a hospital, clinic, dental office, etc, for further care or for a totally unrelated reason. Please be advised of the following guidelines from the Texas DSHS regarding transportation of those persons:

• If you intend to transport someone recently exposed to a measles case who is unvaccinated and needs medical care of any type, you need to inform the medical facility prior to arrival of the patient. This includes symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

• If you intend to transport someone who needs medical care related to measles/complications, even if they are 4 days post-rash, you need to inform the medical facility prior to arrival of the patient. Texas DSHS is doing this out of an abundance of caution.

• If you intend to transport someone who has had measles, is 4 days post-rash, and who needs medical care not related to measles/complications, you are not required to call ahead because measles is infectious 4 days before and 4 days after rash onset (CDC, 2025).

• Vaccinated individuals needing medical care with no symptoms are also not required to notify the medical facility prior to going.

• If you intend to transport someone recently exposed to a measles case who is vaccinated and is showing signs and symptoms consistent with measles, you need to inform the medical facility prior to arrival of the patient. This could be a breakthrough case.

• From CHRISTUS Infection Prevention Team: For patients with a known exposure who are planning to go to the ER (if they are able to call in advance), please ask them to call the following phone numbers.

  • CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Longview Emergency Department: 903-315-2020

  • If unanswered, please call the House Supervisor: 903-315-5650

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all of your patience and flexibility during this time.