Tarrant County records initial instances of measles
Heads Up, Tarrant County Residents! Measles has made its way to our county, and it's time to take some precautions.
Got measles in the house 😷 Two cases have been confirmed in the same household, but we're still figuring out where they picked up this contagious bug. The public health agency's on it, investigating any possible exposure sites and contacts during the infectious periods. They'll share more details early next week.
Hit the ER 🏥 The duo visited Methodist Mansfield ER on Broad Street from the evening of April 29 to the early hours of April 30 while they were contagious. If you were at this location during that timeframe, watch out for symptoms until May 20.
Where'd they get it? 🔎 Nobody knows yet where they snagged measles. Stay tuned for more info.
Time to vaccinate, y'all 💉 Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine. Unvaccinated or unsure of your status? Contact your healthcare provider for recommendations. Tarrant County Public Health offers vaccines at several clinics and through primary care providers or local pharmacies.
Know the symptoms 🤧 Measles generally kicks off with fever (101 degrees and above), cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. Following these symptoms, a red, blotchy rash starts at the hairline, behind the ears, and spreads down the body. If you start to feel sick, stay home, call your healthcare provider, and isolate yourself from others to limit exposure.
Keep an eye out 👀 So far, Texas has seen 683 measles cases, with 20 more since April 29. Be aware of possible new cases in the county and beyond. Tarrant County Public Health is collaborating closely with local and regional partners to monitor the situation.
Remember, prevention is key. Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a place. Stay healthy, stay informed, and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Sources:
[1] Tarrant County Public Health. (n.d.). Measles: Texas cases and what you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/immunization/Measles-Information.html
[2] KHOU 11. (2023, May 2). Tarrant County confirms first two cases of measles. Retrieved from https://www.khou.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/tarrant-county-confirms-first-two-cases-of-measles/285-7395348f-014a-491d-8932-13b88a7a46fc
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Measles. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
[4] Star-Telegram, F. (n.d.). Measles patients in Tarrant County visited ER while contagious. Retrieved from https://www.star-telegram.com/health/health-care/article266723862.html
- Amidst the spreading measles in Tarrant County, it's essential to stay informed about other health-related news, such as advancements in science and medical-conditions, including chronic diseases, health-and-wellness tips, and mental-health resources.
- With the increasing number of confirmed measles cases in Texas and its impact on local communities, it's crucial to prioritize fitness-and-exercise routines and overall well-being to build a strong immune system and increase resistance against contagious diseases like measles.
- Alongside vaccinations and preventive measures against measles, prioritize mental-health awareness and seek guidance from healthcare providers if needed. Mental health is an integral component of overall wellness, and maintaining good mental health is vital in managing stress during these challenging times.
