Health officials in Tarrant County, Texas are on high alert after a recent exposure to the measles virus in Grapevine. Although there hasn’t been a confirmed case in the county, officials are urging anyone who was at the Great Wolf Lodge or Grapevine Mills Mall on March 28-30 to monitor themselves for symptoms. The infected person, who is not from the area, developed a rash and tested positive for measles on Monday, making them contagious while in North Texas.
With the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas, where 481 people have been infected since late January, health officials are concerned about the potential for the virus to spread. The outbreak has already resulted in 56 hospitalizations and one school-aged child dying from complications with the disease. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.
To prevent the spread of measles and protect yourself from infection, officials recommend getting vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Individuals who think they may have been exposed to measles should isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider to get tested. People without immunity from vaccination or previous infection should be isolated during outbreaks to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Tarrant County Public Health Director Brian Byrd emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and seeking medical attention if symptoms arise, even before the appearance of the rash. By maintaining high vaccination rates and following proper protocols during outbreaks, communities can work to control the spread of measles and protect those most vulnerable to the disease.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
