- Someone who tested positive for measles was lately in Grapevine.
- The individual was present in the region between March 28th and 30th and visited both Great Wolf Lodge and Grapevine Mills Mall.
- Since late January, 481 individuals in Texas have contracted measles.
GRAPEVINE, Texas - An individual who received a positive result for measles testing recently went to Grapevine as stated by Tarrant County Public Health.
Measles in Grapevine
What we knowAccording to Tarrant County Public Health, the individual is thought to have been contagious during the visit.
The individual who was infected went to Great Wolf Lodge from early Friday, March 28 until late Sunday, March 30.
On Saturday, March 29, they also visited Grapevine Mills Mall.
Measles is highly infectious and can linger in the air for as long as two hours following an infected individual's departure from the space.
Measles update: Active outbreaks currently exist in these 5 states
What we don't knowTarrant County Public Health has not provided any specifics regarding the patient, such as their age, whether they live in Grapevine, or their immunization status.
What they're saying"The health and welfare of both our guests and team members remains our highest priority. We are cooperating fully with the Tarrant County Health Department as they examine an incident involving a visitor to our resort who may have been infectious with measles earlier this month. However, according to public statements from the Health Department based on the nature of viral transmission and the specific dates involved during which the individual visited our property, there should be no present or future risk to those staying here," stated representatives from Great Wolf Lodge.
Texas Measles Outbreak
The announcement coincides with the report from state health authorities of 59 additional measles cases linked to an ongoing outbreak in West Texas.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that 481 individuals have fallen ill since late January.
Tarrant County did not appear in Friday's update.
The epidemic has resulted in 56 hospitalizations. A school-age child passed away due to complications from measles.
What is measles?
Why you should careMeasles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
The measles virus has the ability to stay contagious in the air for as long as two hours following an infected individual's departure from a space.
The symptoms start showing up about one or two weeks following exposure, characterized by high fever, coughing, running nose, and eyes that turn red with discharge. After a few more days, distinctive rashes appear initially as flat, reddish spots on the face before they spread downward across the neck, torso, and eventually cover the entire body.
An individual becomes infectious approximately four days prior to the appearance of the rash until four days afterward. Those infected with measles ought to remain at home instead of going to work or attending school throughout this duration.
Symptoms of Measles
Typical signs of measles involve:
- Elevated temperature (reaching up to 105°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Small white dots that might show up within the mouth 2 to 3 days after the first signs of illness start.
- Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The "measles rash" typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body.
What steps can be taken to avoid contracting measles?
The most effective method to avoid falling ill is by receiving two doses of a vaccination for measles, typically provided through the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot. The MMR vaccine proves very efficient in safeguarding individuals from contracting measles after both inoculations.
Certain vaccinated individuals might still contract measles; nonetheless, their symptoms tend to be more moderate and they are typically less prone to transmitting the virus to others.
What actions should be taken when exposed to measles?
If you suspect you might have measles or were exposed to someone who does, separate yourself from others immediately and contact your healthcare provider prior to coming in for testing. This allows them to make necessary preparations to avoid infecting other individuals when you arrive. Measles is highly infectious and could lead to severe health issues among those lacking immunity. Examine both yours and your children’s immunization records to confirm whether you’re current with your measles vaccinations. Also, talk to your doctor about your vaccine record as well as any queries regarding these inoculations.
Managing epidemics in communal environments
- Individuals who have tested positive for or are believed to have measles should remain absent from educational institutions, workplaces, and social gatherings until four days after their rash first appears.
- During an outbreak, people without documented immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection should be isolated from anyone with measles to protect those without immunity and control the outbreak.
- As per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, children who have not been immunized must be excluded from school and daycare facilities for a minimum of 21 days following their last exposure to someone with measles.
The data in this piece come from Tarrant County Public Health, an update from Great Wolf Lodge, and the Texas Department of State Health Services report dated Friday, April 4.