Recent Exposure Case

Although Tarrant County has not reported any confirmed measles cases, officials are closely monitoring the situation after an exposure event that occurred on March 28-30. The individual in question, who was already infected with the virus when visiting the area, was not a local resident.

According to Tarrant County Public Health, the infected person developed a rash and tested positive for measles shortly after their North Texas visit. Director Brian Byrd emphasized that the individual was contagious during their stay in Tarrant County.

Recommendations for Residents

Individuals who visited the Great Wolf Lodge or Grapevine Mills Mall during this period are urged to monitor themselves for symptoms. The incubation period for measles can range from seven to 21 days, meaning symptoms could emerge as soon as today.

“We advise anyone who may have been exposed to contact their physician if they experience a runny nose or fever,” Byrd stated.

The Great Wolf Lodge has responded to the alert, assuring that there is no current threat to guests, based on the timeline from health officials.

Understanding Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness that can spread through the air via droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, posing a risk even after the infected person has left the area.

Symptoms to Watch For

• High fever (can reach up to 105°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Tiny white spots may appear in the mouth
• Rash characterized by red spots beginning on the face, spreading to the body

A person is contagious from four days before to four days after the onset of the rash, and it is vital for infected individuals to stay home during this period.

Preventative Actions

The most effective way to prevent measles infection is through vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection against the virus. While breakthrough cases can occur in vaccinated individuals, they typically experience milder symptoms and are less likely to transmit the illness.

Health officials recommend reviewing your vaccination status and that of your children, particularly as young children are at increased risk for severe complications from the disease.

Current Measles Outbreak in Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Services reports a significant measles outbreak, with 481 people infected since late January. Tarrant County has not been implicated yet, but officials remain vigilant due to recent exposures.

Among the reported cases, there have been 56 hospitalizations, and tragically, one school-aged child has died following complications related to measles.