Health authorities in Tarrant issue alert concerning potential measles exposure within Arlington area
Alert! Measles Potential Exposure in Arlington, TX on April 19
Got the lowdown on those measly spots in Arlington you might've hit on the 19th of April? Here's the scoop!
Tarrant County Public Health put out a warning on April 30, citing two locations where an individual with measles was present and contagious:
- Rangers Republic at Texas Live!, located at 1650 E. Randol Mill Road, from the afternoon of April 19.
- Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Drive, during the Texas Rangers game against the Los Angeles Dodgers from 3 p.m. to the evening of April 19.
Rest assure, the infected person's not a Tarrant County resident, 'cause that's always a bummer.
If you've attended either of these venues on that particular day, and you ain't been inoculated against measles or unsure about your immunity, you might wanna keep a close eye on your health.
Now, what are the telltale signs of measles, you ask? Well, here's the run-down:
- Fever above 101 degrees
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- A red, blotchy rash that starts at the hairline/scalp and behind the ears, then gradually spreads down your body
These symptoms, my friend, typically kick in within 7 to 14 days post-exposure, but it's essential to keep tabs on yourself for up to 21 days from the date of exposure. That's up to May 10 for those keeping track at home.
Oh, and did I mention measles can lurk in the air for up to two hours after an infected person bails out? So yeah, keep that in mind!
If measles symptoms crop up, stay the frack home and isolate yourself from others. Call your healthcare provider for advice before marching on to a clinic or hospital for examinations to prevent spreading it further.
Tarrant County Public Health is working closely with Denton County Public Health, Arlington city officials, Texas Live!, Texas Rangers, and other partners to keep tabs on the situation. Catch over 660 cases of measles in Texas so far, with the outbreak starting in early January among a group of unvaccinated kids near Lubbock. There's even been a case reported in Rockwall County, northeast of Dallas, in late February.
Luckily, Tarrant County hasn't reported any measles cases as of April 29. If they manage to nab a case within Tarrant, the county health department will have a "mobile strike team" ready to offer testing and vaccines, according to Dr. Brian Byrd, the county's public health director. They'll also establish a central site to test up to 1,000 people per day if cases arise in multiple locations.
That's the rundown, folks! Stay safe, get vaccinated, and hammer down that measly business before it takes over!
[Kathryn Miller is a reporting fellow at the Fort Worth Report. Catch her at [email protected] for more. The Fort Worth Report operates independently of its board members and financial supporters, and you can read more about their editorial independence policy here.]
In light of the potential measles exposure in Arlington, the Fort Worth Report announced a surge in the need for workplace wellness programs. These programs are designed to educate employees about chronic diseases and medical conditions such as measles, respiratory conditions, cancer, and skin care.Employers are encouraged to emphasize the importance of regular medical check-ups, fitness and exercise, mental health, and therapies and treatments for overall health and wellness.Science has proven that a healthy workforce contributes significantly to a company's productivity and bottom line.In addition, Tarrant County Public Health proposed the use of tested therapies and treatments for those who may have been exposed to measles, aiming to prevent chronic complications and ensure cardiovascular health.The recent measles outbreak in Texas also underlines the importance of early detection and intervention for mental health issues. Stress and anxiety, common amidst an outbreak, can worsen chronic diseases and respiratory conditions.The Fort Worth Report highlighted the role of skin care in maintaining a healthy immune system, emphasizing the need for proper hygiene during outbreaks.Tarrant County Public Health's announcement to establish a central site to test up to 1,000 people per day if cases arise in multiple locations is a step towards combating the spread of measles and other contagious diseases.With the number of measles cases in Texas exceeding 660 as of April 29, Tarrant County's preparedness is a model for other counties. The county's mobile strike team ready to offer testing and vaccines to nab a case within Tarrant demonstrates a commitment to public health and safety.*It's crucial for individuals to remain vigilant, stay informed, and adhere to science-backed measures to safeguard themselves and their communities against measles and other infectious diseases.
