“Our priority is to complete our investigation,” stated Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Anita Kurian. “Early indications are that the first confirmed case was likely exposed during a trip to Orlando, Fla., in early March. We are working with our medical community partners to evaluate all contacts and identify any potential cases.”

Tarrant County Public Health has issued an alert to the local health community to be vigilant in looking for and reporting any cases of measles. The symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough and a reddish rash all over the body. Measles is transmitted through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It is so contagious that any person who is exposed to it, and is not immune, will probably get the disease.

Anyone with symptoms of the measles should call their doctor as soon as possible and make special arrangements to prevent contact with others.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. Children should get two doses of the vaccine. Adults who may not have been immunized should contact their doctor to see if they need the vaccine.

Links:

MMR Vaccine Facts

TCPH Bulletin - Measels