By TX3DNews Staff | April 23, 2025
Collin County, TX — A new case of measles has been reported in Collin County, this time involving a student at Willow Springs Middle School in Lucas. According to reports from multiple local news outlets — including The Dallas Morning News, KERA, NBC 5, and FOX 4 — the student tested positive earlier this week, prompting an ongoing public health response and increased attention to the region’s measles outbreak.
As of publication, Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) has not yet issued an updated advisory specifically referencing this new case. However, media reports state the information was confirmed by county health officials and the Lovejoy Independent School District. Officials are now working with school administrators to notify potentially exposed individuals and ensure vaccination and monitoring protocols are in place.
This report comes on the heels of an earlier Collin County Health Advisory issued on April 17, which alerted residents of a separate measles exposure linked to a contagious individual who visited multiple public locations in Plano on April 10 and 11. That advisory, still available on the county website, warned of possible exposure at locations including a Target, Home Depot, and a local restaurant.
While the April 17 exposure involved an adult, the Willow Springs Middle School case marks the first confirmed child case in the DFW area during this year’s outbreak, according to KERA News.
Statewide Measles Concerns Growing
Texas is currently experiencing a measles outbreak of historic proportions, with more than 600 confirmed cases since January 2025. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the outbreak has led to the deaths of at least two unvaccinated school-aged children and prompted renewed calls for vigilance around childhood vaccinations.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. Health officials continue to stress the importance of ensuring that children and adults are up to date on their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing infection.
Where’s the Leadership from TX-03?
This public health concern is no longer a distant state-level issue — it’s right here in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, and more specifically, within Rep. Keith Self’s own community. Yet, as of this publication, there has been no public acknowledgment from Self regarding the confirmed measles case at Willow Springs Middle School or the broader outbreak affecting Collin County.
In recent days, Rep. Keith Self has taken to national platforms to criticize Democrats — including accusing them of “defending MS-13 gang members” in discussions surrounding immigration and voter legislation. He has also publicly defended Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after revelations surfaced that Hegseth used the Signal app to share sensitive military information with close contacts. Meanwhile, Self has appeared on partisan outlets like Newsmax, focusing his attention on national controversies rather than addressing a growing public health crisis at home.
Despite his frequent rhetoric about threats to public safety and national security, Self has remained silent on the confirmed measles case at Willow Springs Middle School — a preventable outbreak unfolding in his own district. His social media presence and public remarks remain fixated on partisan narratives, with no mention of the local health concerns affecting families in TX-03.
Self has often accused his opponents of being out of touch with everyday Americans. But as a preventable public health crisis unfolds within the boundaries of his own congressional district, it’s worth asking: is he responding to the needs of the community he was elected to serve? If leadership is defined by stepping up during moments of local urgency, Rep. Self’s silence speaks volumes.
In the Absence of Any Word from Rep. Self
n the Absence of Any Word from Rep. Self
In the absence of any comment from Rep. Keith Self, families across TX-03 — particularly those in Lucas and Plano — are left to rely on local health officials and school leaders for guidance.
Parents with children at Willow Springs Middle School, or who may have visited the listed Plano exposure sites during the specified dates, should:
- Monitor for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and rash
- Verify that all household members are up to date on their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations
- Contact a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms develop
- Inform schools or workplaces about potential exposure to help limit further spread
Measles symptoms generally develop 7–14 days after exposure, but may take up to 21 days to appear. Complications can be severe, particularly for unvaccinated individuals, and include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and in rare cases, death.ases. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and in severe cases, death — especially among unvaccinated individuals.
TX3DNews Will Continue Monitoring
TX3DNews has reached out to Collin County Health Care Services for confirmation and further comment. We will update this story as more official information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are urged to stay informed via:
Stay safe, stay informed, and if you haven’t already—check your family’s vaccination records.
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