Using these little bumps, called fusion proteins, measles enters white blood cells and makes copies of itself. As the white blood cells travel throughout the body, they inadvertently spread the viral particles to organs such as the lungs, liver and, in rare cases, the brain.

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.