Tarrant County confirms initial outbreak of measles
Alert: Tarrant County Measles Outbreak - Important Information
Looks like Tarrant County's seen its first measles cases, announced on May 2. Two individuals, from the same household, have tested positive for the disease, but the source remains undetermined, according to the public health agency.
On the night of April 29 and early hours of April 30, these patients visited Methodist Mansfield ER, located at 2700 E. Broad St., while contagious. Tarrant County Public Health is actively investigating other potential exposure sites and contacts during the individuals' infectious periods. More details will be shared during the following week.
If you were at Methodist Mansfield ER during this time and are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, keep an eye on your health until May 20.
Measles is a preventable disease, and the best defense is the MMR vaccine. The health agency encourages unvaccinated residents or those uncertain about their vaccination status to consult their healthcare provider for recommendations.
Symptoms of measles include fever over 101 degrees, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A red, blotchy rash appears next, starting at the hairline/scalp and behind the ears and moving down the body.
Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a location. So, if you start experiencing symptoms, stay home, isolate yourself from others, call a healthcare provider for guidance, and inform them before visiting a clinic or hospital to limit potential exposure.
Vaccines are available through primary healthcare providers, local pharmacies, and Tarrant County Public Health's six immunization clinics. To make an appointment, call 817-248-6299 or drop in during clinic hours.
TCPH is collaborating with local and regional partners to closely monitor this situation. As of now, 683 measles cases have been reported in Texas, with 20 more since April 29, and 89 hospitalizations. The outbreak started among unvaccinated children in Gaines County, near Lubbock, in January. Cases have also been reported in Rockwall County (late February) and Denton County (April 19).
Stay informed, stay safe, and protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated against measles.
Enrichment:
- Confirmed Cases: Two cases (an adult and a child) in Tarrant County have been confirmed on May 2.
- Exposure Sites: Besides Methodist Mansfield ER, other potential exposure sites under investigation include Grapevine Mills Mall (March 29) and Great Wolf Lodge (March 28–30).
- Symptoms: Fever and rash appearing 4-21 days post-exposure, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Advisories: Health officials recommend vaccination verification and pre-visit notifications for healthcare providers if exposed.
- Recommendations: Monitor your health until May 20 if unvaccinated or immunocompromised, and stay home if symptomatic.
- It's crucial to stay informed about the current measles outbreak in Tarrant County, announced on May 2. Two individuals, including an adult and a child, have tested positive for the disease.
- These patients visited Methodist Mansfield ER, located at 2700 E. Broad St., while contagious, making it a potential exposure site.
- If you were at Methodist Mansfield ER during this time and are unvaccinated or have chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, you should monitor your health until May 20.
- Measles can linger in the air long after an infected person has left a location, which is why it's important to stay home and isolate if you start experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.
- Vaccines are available at primary healthcare providers, local pharmacies, and Tarrant County Public Health's clinics to help protect against measles.
- TCPH is working closely with local and regional partners to monitor the measles outbreak, which has already claimed 683 cases in Texas, with numerous new cases reported since April 29. Collaboration is essential to limit the spread of the disease and protect the health and wellness of all residents, including ensuring mental health support, fitness and exercise, and even exploring alternative treatments like CBD.
