Measles Exposure in Frisco, Texas: What You Need to Know
Collin County is warning about a measles exposure in Frisco earlier this week, amid an outbreak of cases in Texas.
In a Friday news release, Collin County Health Care Services said there was an exposure at a Walmart store, located at 16066 State Hwy 121, on Tuesday, April 29. The timing, they said, was between 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Walmart didn’t immediately respond to a comment request Friday night.
What Happened and Who is Affected
Anyone who visited the store during this time should monitor for symptoms until May 20, according to the news release. Symptoms could include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, skin rash, as well as small white spots with blueish-white centers inside the mouth.
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.
Understanding Measles and Its Transmission
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.
Current Outbreak Situation
Earlier Friday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that there have been 683 confirmed cases since the outbreak began in January.
Collin County also saw a confirmed measles case in a middle school student earlier in April — the first child case reported in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Though it currently appears in the state public health department’s list of “other 2025″ cases, instead of being tied to the West Texas outbreak.
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Conclusion
The measles exposure in Frisco, Texas, is a reminder of the importance of vaccination and the need for individuals to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the illness. By staying informed and taking action, we can work together to prevent the spread of measles and keep our communities safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Symptoms of measles include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, skin rash, and small white spots with blueish-white centers inside the mouth.
Q: How is measles transmitted?
A: Measles is transmitted 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.
Q: Who is most at risk of getting measles?
A: Unvaccinated individuals, immunocompromised people, and pregnant women are most at risk of getting measles.
Q: What can I do to prevent getting measles?
A: Getting vaccinated with the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. Additionally, individuals can take precautions such as avoiding close contact with people who have measles, washing hands frequently, and avoiding sharing food or drinks.
Q: What should I do if I think I have been exposed to measles?
A: If you think you have been exposed to measles, you should monitor for symptoms and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any symptoms or if you are immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or pregnant.
