Confirmed Measles Case Identified in Rockwall County, DSHS Notified

Rockwall County health officials confirmed an adult resident tested positive for measles after a positive result was reported to the county by the Texas Department of State Health Services on the evening of February 5, 2026. County leaders posted a public notice on February 6 saying the person was likely exposed during recent international travel and that health authorities have completed initial contact tracing.

DSHS has determined that the individual is no longer contagious as of February 5, 2026, based on the onset of symptoms. County officials said the person mostly remained at home during the infectious period, and health care providers the patient visited have been notified and are following public health recommendations. Exposed family members have not developed symptoms and are self-quarantining; they are being monitored by DSHS epidemiology staff for a 21-day observation period.

Rockwall County Emergency Management Coordinator Jarod Rosson urged calm while emphasizing routine precautions. “The message at this time, especially since it's an isolated case, we don’t expect this to become an outbreak like what we're seeing in Gaines County, is to take the precautions they feel are necessary, whether that’s vaccination or standard precautions for any communicable diseases, such as washing your hands, staying home if you're sick,” Rosson said.

Dr. Dirk Perritt, the county health authority, framed the response as proactive containment. “However, our team is closely monitoring the situation to swiftly identify and address any new cases,” Perritt said, noting county and state teams are coordinating contact tracing and clinical follow-up.

School officials say the case has not led to any known infections in local schools. Rockwall Independent School District leaders reported they are aware of the county case and that no students or staff have been diagnosed in connection with it. The Rockwall County Commissioners Court also alerted residents through its social media channels.

Public health guidance from the county stresses vaccination as the primary prevention tool. County messaging encourages anyone who is unvaccinated or unsure of their MMR vaccination status to contact their health care provider promptly. Officials also reminded pregnant people, infants too young for vaccination, and immunocompromised residents to be especially vigilant, as measles can cause severe complications in those groups.

For Rockwall residents, the immediate impact is limited: health officials report contacts have been identified and are under observation, and the patient is no longer infectious. But the case underscores wider equity and access concerns: communities with gaps in vaccination coverage face higher risk, and timely access to primary care and vaccine services matters for containment.

Officials say they will update the public if additional cases are identified. In the meantime, Rockwall residents should verify vaccination records with their provider, stay home if ill, and follow guidance from the county health authority and state public health officials as contact monitoring continues.