Tarrant County Reports First Confirmed Cases of Measles

Published on May 05, 2025

Texas is experiencing an outbreak of measles, a highly contagious viral infection that can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not vaccinated. While the measles outbreak is primarily concentrated in West Texas, measles cases have been confirmed in North Central Texas.

Measles is passed from a person to others through the air or contaminated surfaces. Measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

On May 2, Tarrant County reported its first two confirmed case of measles involving a child and an adult who were both unvaccinated and live in the same household. In recent weeks, Tarrant County Public Health has also reported separate instances of measles exposure to the public by individuals who were contagious when they were visiting locations in Tarrant County.

Tarrant County Public Health alerts to date:

• March 28-30: Great Wolf Lodge and Grapevine Mills Mall in Grapevine. Read TCPH’s April 4 alert. (Please note, the time frame for anyone who may have become ill from this exposure has passed.)
• (ARLINGTON) April 19: Texas Live!, 1650 E. Randol Mill Road, and a Texas Rangers home game at Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Drive, in Arlington’s Entertainment District. The last day to monitor for symptoms from this exposure is May 20. Read TCPH’s April 30 alert.
• April 29: Mansfield Methodist Emergency Department, 2700 E. Broad Street in Mansfield. The two individuals visited Mansfield Methodist Hospital on April 29-30 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. while they were contagious. The last day to monitor for symptoms from this exposure is May 20. Read TCPH's May 2 alert.

What to Do If You Were Exposed

Tarrant County Public Health recommends that individuals who are unvaccinated, unvaccinated and pregnant, or who are immunocompromised contact their health care providers immediately to discuss the possible exposure. Individuals who are unvaccinated and/or immunocompromised and at increased risk of contracting measles should monitor for symptoms for 21 days from the day of exposure.

Symptoms include

• Fever of 101 degrees or higher
• Cough, runny nose or red eyes
• Followed by a red, blotchy rash that begins at the hairline/scalp and behind the ears and then progresses down the body.

If You Develop Symptoms

• Stay home and away from others
• Contact your healthcare provider for guidance
• Call before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent possible exposure to others

Vaccination Information

Measles can be prevented with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Tarrant County Public Health has several clinic locations, including one at 2920 S. Cooper St. in Arlington, that offers vaccinations. The Arlington clinic is open from 8 a.m. to noon and then from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For general information or appointments, call 817-248-6299.

Tarrant County Public Health Clinic Locations