UMC in Lubbock refutes claims of newborn babies being exposed to measles

LUBBOCK, Texas — Following a national report that claimed newborn babies were exposed to measles at University Medical Center in Lubbock, the hospital on Monday told EverythingLubbock.com the measles patient did not have contact with any other patients or enter the NICU.

A national report on March 14 stated a woman who was in labor was infected with the measles, and doctors did not realize until she had already been admitted. The headline claimed newborn babies in the hospital were exposed to measles.

“Last week, a patient with measles was present in the building; however, they did not have direct contact with any other patient and did not enter the NICU,” UMC said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, UMC has implemented a temporary masking requirement for all visitors who enter our patient care areas on the 1st and 2nd floor in the Children’s Hospital to further protect our patients.”

UMC announced the mask policy on March 13. In its latest update, the Texas Department of State Health Services said there were 259 cases of measles across the South Plains. The majority of cases were not vaccinated, including a school-aged child who passed away in late February. In eastern New Mexico, there were 33 cases in Lea County and two in Eddy County.

“We are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of our patients, families, and visitors,” UMC stated. “We appreciate the CDC’s recent visit, where they affirmed our safety measures.”

Lubbock Public Health has urged people to seek medical care quickly if they think they or a loved one could have measles, regardless of immunization status. If someone is experiencing the symptoms below, they need to go to an emergency room immediately:

• hard time breathing or breathing faster than normal
• signs of severe dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less frequently)
• confusion, decreased alertness, or severe weakness
• for young children – a blue color around the mouth, crying without making tears, unusually low energy, or severe loss of appetite.

Lubbock Public Health said to call the emergency department before you arrive and let them know a person with measles is coming in.

Find more information about where to get the measles vaccine on the South Plains here.