Measles Outbreak in Texas: What You Need to Know
Tarrant County health officials are warning about a possible measles exposure in Grapevine, amid an outbreak of cases in Texas.
An exposure notice is not the same thing as a confirmed case, and the county said on its website that it has not reported any measles cases as of Friday.
What Happened?
But in a Friday evening news release, Tarrant County Public Health said an individual who visited two venues in the county last week has tested positive for measles and was infectious at the time. It’s not clear whether the infectious person’s illness is connected to the current outbreak.
The individual was at Great Wolf Lodge between early March 28 through the evening of March 30, according to the news release. It also said the person walked around Grapevine Mills mall on March 29 and ate at its food court.
Response from Venues
Jason Lasecki, a spokesperson for Great Wolf Lodge, said in a statement that the company is supporting the county as it investigates the possible exposure.
“The Health Department confirmed that considering how the virus is transmitted and the timing for when the guest was at our resort, there is no ongoing concern for current or future guests to our resort,” Lasecki said.
Grapevine Mills didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Friday evening.
What is Measles?
Measles is considered one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or simply breathes. Particles can linger in a room up to two hours after an infected person has gone.
The illness spreads mostly through unvaccinated people, as the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is highly effective at preventing the illness.
Prevention and Symptoms
The county said it is closely monitoring the situation.
The county also advised immunocompromised people or those who are unvaccinated and pregnant to immediately contact health care providers if they believe they were exposed to measles.
The county recommended others who visited those venues at the time to watch for fevers that get up to or higher than 101 F as well as cough, runny nose or red eyes. They should also watch for a “red, blotchy rash that begins at the hairline/scalp and behind the ears, then progresses down the body.”
These individuals should monitor themselves for possible symptoms through April 20, according to the news release. If these signs develop, they should contact health care providers for guidance and stay away from others.
Measles Outbreak in Texas
Earlier Friday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported there have been 481 cases in the state, not counting additional connected cases in New Mexico and Oklahoma.
The current measles outbreak started in January in Gaines County, near the New Mexico border. In the state, most cases so far are in West Texas and the Panhandle, although there are also 11 cases connected to the outbreak in Lamar County in northeast Texas and two cases near central Texas.
Among these Texas cases, 56 people — or 11.6% — have been hospitalized. One child, who was not vaccinated, died in February. That was the first measles death reported in the U.S. in a decade. The state of New Mexico has also reported an adult who died and tested positive for measles.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has also reported six measles cases this year that are not related the West Texas outbreak. One of them was confirmed in Rockwall County.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Texas is a serious public health concern, and it is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. By understanding the symptoms and taking steps to prevent exposure, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is measles?
A: Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can cause fever, cough, runny nose, and a red, blotchy rash.
Q: How is measles prevented?
A: Measles can be prevented with a two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which is highly effective at preventing the illness.
Q: What should I do if I think I was exposed to measles?
A: If you think you were exposed to measles, you should monitor yourself for symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, and a red, blotchy rash. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider for guidance and stay away from others.
Q: Is measles serious?
A: Yes, measles can be serious, especially for young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. It can cause hospitalization and even death.
Q: How many cases of measles have been reported in Texas?
A: As of Friday, there have been 481 cases of measles reported in Texas, not counting additional connected cases in New Mexico and Oklahoma.
