TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — A recent measles exposure at two major Grapevine attractions is raising alarms among public health officials, especially given how contagious the virus can be in crowded places.
So far, there are no confirmed measles cases in Tarrant County — but that could change soon.
Here’s what happened:
Tarrant County Public Health announced Friday that someone infected with the measles visited Great Wolf Lodge and Grapevine Mills Mall between March 28 and 30. The visitor wasn’t from the area but had already contracted the virus before arriving.
“They were contagious during their entire stay in North Texas,” said Tarrant County Public Health Director Brian Byrd. The individual developed a rash and tested positive just days later.
If You Were There, Here’s What to Watch For:
Anyone who was at either location that weekend should be on the lookout for symptoms like a runny nose, fever, or cough.
“The measles incubation period is 7 to 21 days, so people could start seeing symptoms any time now,” Byrd said. If you think you might be sick, don’t wait for a rash — call your doctor.
What About the Waterpark?
Great Wolf Lodge says there’s no risk to current or upcoming guests based on guidance from health officials. As for whether chlorinated pool water kills the virus?
“We’re not relying on chlorine to prevent transmission,” Byrd said. The bigger concern is airborne spread — measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
The Real Risk? Unvaccinated Individuals
Health experts are particularly worried about those who haven’t received the measles vaccine.
“We believe this exposure increases the likelihood of a case developing in Tarrant County,” Byrd warned.
Even though Tarrant County’s vaccination rates are solid — 97% for 7th graders and 91% for kindergartners — herd immunity requires at least 95% of the population to be protected.
Statewide Measles Outbreak: The Big Picture
Texas is currently in the middle of a measles outbreak, with 481 cases reported since late January. While Tarrant County isn’t on that list yet, 56 people have been hospitalized, and tragically, one school-aged child has died from complications.
What You Should Know About Measles
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms usually begin 1–2 weeks after exposure and include:
- High fever (can spike to 105°F)
- Runny nose and cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth
- A spreading red rash, usually starting on the face
A person is contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after. That’s why early detection is key.
Protect Yourself — And Others
The best defense? Two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. It’s safe, effective, and critical to stopping the spread. If you’re unsure about your or your child’s vaccination status, check with your healthcare provider.
If You’ve Been Exposed:
- Isolate yourself and call your doctor before going in.
- Avoid school, work, and public spaces for at least four days after rash onset — longer if you’re unvaccinated.
- In schools and daycare settings, unvaccinated children must stay home for 21 days after exposure, per Texas regulations.
