Dallas County health officials announced a confirmed case of measles and listed three venues where the patient was present, potentially exposing other community members. The patient, a resident of the county, was not identified to protect privacy.
Locations and times of possible exposure
The health department traced the patient’s movements to:
- Turrentine Jackson Morrow Chapel in Allen, visited between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on August 14.
- Gloria’s Restaurant in Fairview, visited from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on August 14.
- The Revel Patio Grill in Frisco, visited from around 8 p.m. until midnight on August 15.
Health department guidance
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is also highly preventable,” said Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas County health director. “If you were at one of these locations during the identified time period, check your vaccination status and watch closely for symptoms. Most importantly, make sure you and your family are up to date on the MMR vaccine. Vaccination remains our best protection against measles and the best way to prevent further spread in our community.”
Understanding measles
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early signs include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and white spots inside the mouth. A rash typically appears three to five days after the initial symptoms.
What families can do
Fully vaccinated individuals face a very low risk of contracting measles. Those who are unvaccinated, too young for vaccination, or have weakened immune systems should monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if concerns arise.
The Dallas County health department continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.