The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine remains the best tool to protect yourself, with two doses being 97% effective at preventing illness.

The measles outbreak won't necessarily spread to North Texas, officials say, but communities with low vaccination rates are at risk.

North Texas health officials and hospitals are preparing for the possibility of regional cases of measles ahead of spring break.

DALLAS — More than 140 cases of measles have been reported in Texas, including one here in North Texas, and a child in Lubbock has died from the virus, health officials said. The number of cases in the West Texas outbreak increased by 22 when officials released new data Friday, bringing the total to 146.

North Texas health officials said they are keeping a close eye on the spread in outbreak communities and have plans in place in the event of cases popping up in the DFW metroplex. Stephen Love of the DFW Hospital Council says he met with Chief Medical officers in the last 24 hours.

Kahn says the measles vaccination has been a victim of its own success. “The vast majority of people have never seen a case of measles or its consequences, and it becomes an abstract thing. They wonder why they would get vaccinated for measles here and now. We’re paying for that right now.”

Its lethargy, cough, and fever are worse than a cold. Plus, measles can also cause brain swelling, blindness, and death.