Latest news with #TarrantCountyPublicHealth
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
West Nile Virus Detected In Three Dallas County Locations
Dallas County Health and Human Services confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito pools across three locations this week, marking the first positive tests in the county for 2025. Mosquito samples collected in Irving's 75061 ZIP code, Richardson's 75080 ZIP code, and Rowlett's 75088 ZIP code tested positive for the virus, which is primarily spread by infected mosquitoes. However, other bloodsucking arthropods, such as fleas and ticks, can also transmit the virus. The findings follow Tarrant County Public Health's report of a positive mosquito sample on May 8, signaling the start of the West Nile virus season in North Texas, which typically spans May through October. Summer heat fuels mosquito activity, increasing the risk of virus transmission. Most cases occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through the fall. While most infected individuals show no symptoms, about 1 in 5 may develop fever, headache, body aches, or joint pain. In rare cases, about 1 in 150 infected persons may develop a serious, or even fatal, illness affecting the brain or nervous system. The virus can rarely be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding, or from mother to baby during pregnancy, but not through person-to-person contact like touch or saliva. To curb the spread, Dallas Health and Human Services recommends using DEET or EPA-approved repellents daily, wearing long, loose, light-colored clothing outdoors, draining standing water around homes, and limiting outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. The cities of Irving, Richardson, and Rowlett have begun spraying high-risk areas to prevent further spread. No human cases have been reported in Dallas County this year, and officials urge residents to remain vigilant as the season progresses.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tarrant County confirms first local case of measles
The Brief Tarrant County officials confirmed their first local case of measles. The case was confirmed on May 2. The patient went to the emergency room of Methodist Mansfield on the night Tuesday, April 29. TARRANT COUNTY, Texas - Tarrant County Public Health says it has confirmed its first local case of measles. Nearly 700 cases of measles have been reported in connection to a West Texas outbreak since January. It is unclear if the Tarrant County case is connected. What we know Very few details have been released so far. The case was confirmed on Friday, May 2. The patient went to the emergency room of Methodist Mansfield on Broad Street from 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 to 3 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30. What we don't know Tarrant County Public Health did not release any information about the patient or their travel history. What You Should Do If you were at the Methodist Mansfield ER between 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 and 3 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, you are asked to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They also want people who were potentially exposed to monitor for measles symptoms, including high fever, cough, runny nose and rash, through May 20, 2025. Local perspective Recently, cases have been reported in Rockwall County, Collin County and Denton County. Tarrant County previously reported a person who had tested positive for measles traveled to Grapevine in late March. Health officials in Denton County reported the first case of measles in the county on Wednesday. Health officials said anyone who was at the following places should monitor themselves for symptoms until May 13, especially if you are unvaccinated or immunocompromised: Pretty Burrito, 500 Flower Mound Road, Flower Mound, TX, on April 19 from 10 a.m.- noon Donut Plaza, 1900 s Garden Ridge Rd, Flower Mound, TX, on April 19 from 10 a.m. - noon Rangers Republic at Texas Live!, 1605 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, TX, on April 19 from 2 - 5 p.m. Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Dr., Arlington, TX, on April 19 from 3-8 p.m. Guitars and Growlers, 400 Flower Mound Rd, Flower Mound, TX, on April 19 from 6 p.m - midnight. Walmart, 801 W. Main St., Lewisville, TX, on April 19 from 10 p.m. - April 20, 1 a.m. Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church at 6101 Morriss Rd, Flower Mound, TX, on April 20 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. WinCo Foods, 1288 W. Main St., Lewisville, TX, on April 21 from 8-11:30 p.m. Pho Tay Do, 1403 E. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX, on April 22 from 3-6:30 p.m. Health officials in Collin County confirmed a measles exposure in Frisco on Friday. According to the Collin County Health Department, the exposure was on Tuesday at Walmart near Highway 121 and Custer Road. The infected person was at the store between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Officials said anyone who may have been in that store who is unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider. Previously, Collin County Health Care Services confirmed a student at Willow Springs Middle School in Lucas had measles. Officials notified contacts and said families should make sure vaccinations are up to date. In April, health officials confirmed a case of measles in Rockwall County. Health officials reported that the individual had recently traveled to West Texas, the center of the measles outbreak in the state, but health officials have not officially linked the case to the outbreak. The person stayed at home while they were infectious and recovered. Another Rockwall County case was linked to international travel. Big picture view State health officials said the number of measles cases in the state linked to a West Texas outbreak has grown to 683 since January. 20 of those cases were new cases reported on Friday. Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, did not report any additional cases on Friday. The county has reported 396 cases and accounts for more than half of the state's cases. Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum counties have been designated as "outbreak counties" by DSHS. There have been 89 patients hospitalized since the outbreak started. In Texas, two school-aged children have died from complications with the measles. Neither was vaccinated, and state health officials said they had no known underlying conditions. Why you should care Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Illness onset (high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes) begins a week or two after someone is exposed. A few days later, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People with measles should stay home from work or school during that period. Common symptoms of measles include: High fever (as high as 105°F) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The "measles rash" typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body. The Source Information in this article comes from Tarrant County Public Health, the Texas Department of State Health Services, health officials in Denton, Rockwall and Collin County and the CDC.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tarrant County reports first two cases of measles amid statewide Texas outbreak
Officials with the Tarrant County Public Health Department reported the county's first two cases of measles on Friday. The new cases come amid a statewide outbreak that has sickened almost 700 people since January, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The two new cases were reported in an unvaccinated adult and child who live in the same household, Tarrant County Public Health said. While contagious, the adult and child visited the Methodist Mansfield Hospital emergency room, at 2700 E. Broad St., between 8 p.m. on Tuesday April 29 and 3 a.m. on Wednesday April 30, according to the county's statement. Tarrant County Public Health officials are working to determine any other locations the patients may have visited, according to the statement. Other people who were at the Mansfield emergency room during the same time as the infected residents, especially those who are unvaccinated, pregnant or immunocompromised should monitor for symptoms until May 20, officials said. Earlier this week, the Denton County Public Health Department announced that a sick resident visited Texas Live! and Globe Life Field in Arlington while contagious. Collin County health officials also reported a new case of the measles virus on Friday. Collin County Health Care Services was notified that a county resident has tested positive for measles and visited Walmart at 16066 Texas 121 in Frisco between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. on April 29. 🚨 More top stories from our newsroom: → Texas, Fort Worth officials warn of dire impacts of Head Start cuts → 2 arrested in North Texas triple homicide. 3rd man exonerated → Woman assaulted on American Airlines flight files federal suit [Get our breaking news alerts.] Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the statement. Symptoms include a high fever over 101 degrees, a cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a red blotchy rash that begins on the face and moves down the body. If you develop symptoms, stay home and away from others and contact your healthcare provider for guidance. If you must visit a clinic or hospital, call ahead of time to prevent possible exposure to others. This interactive map tracks the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and across the United States. It features real-time data on reported cases, county-level vaccination rates (where available), and outbreak details. Tap on any county for more information. The map is developed and maintained by the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI). View the CORI Measles Scenario-based Risk Assessment here. Open SOURCES: Center for Outbreak Response Innovation, ESRI Steve Wilson swilson@
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Person with measles went to Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine Mills Mall, officials say
The Brief A person who tested positive for measles was recently in Grapevine. The person was in the area from March 28-30 and went to Great Wolf Lodge and Grapevine Mills Mall. 481 people in Texas have been infected with measles since late January. GRAPEVINE, Texas - A person who tested positive for measles recently went to Grapevine, according to Tarrant County Public Health. What we know Tarrant County Public Health says the person is believed to have been infectious at the time of the visit. The infected person visited Great Wolf Lodge from the morning of Friday, March 28 through the evening of Sunday, March 30. They also went to Grapevine Mills Mall on Saturday, March 29. Measles is very contagious and can remain live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Measles update: These 5 states now have active outbreaks What we don't know Tarrant County Public Health did not release any details about the patient, including their age, if they are a Grapevine resident or their vaccination status. What they're saying "The safety and well-being of our guests and pack members is always our top priority, and we are supporting Tarrant County Health Department as they investigate a guest who arrived at our resort potentially contagious with measles last month. The Health Department confirmed that considering how the virus is transmitted and the timing for when the guest was at our resort, there is no ongoing concern for current or future guests to our resort," said a spokesperson for Great Wolf Lodge. The news comes on the same day that state health officials reported 59 new measles cases in connection with a West Texas measles outbreak. The Texas Department of State Health Services says 481 people have been infected since late January. Tarrant County was not listed in Friday's update. The outbreak has seen 56 people hospitalized. One school-aged child died from complications with the measles. Why you should care Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Illness onset (high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes) begins a week or two after someone is exposed. A few days later, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People with measles should stay home from work or school during that period. Common symptoms of measles include: High fever (as high as 105°F) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The "measles rash" typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. Some vaccinated people can occasionally develop measles; however, they generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to other people. If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider before arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival without exposing other people to the virus. Measles is extremely contagious and can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against the virus. Review your and your child's vaccination history to see if you are up-to-date on your measles vaccines. Additionally, discuss with your provider your vaccination history and any questions about these vaccines. People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset. During an outbreak, people without documented immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection should be isolated from anyone with measles to protect those without immunity and control the outbreak. According to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, schools and childcare settings shall exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days after the last date the unimmunized child was exposed to a measles case. The Source Information in this article comes from Tarrant County Public Health, Great Wolf Lodge and the Texas Department of State Health Services update on Friday, April 4.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
1 eatery in Tarrant County temporarily closed; roach, rodent droppings found at others
One Tarrant County food establishment was temporarily closed and droppings from cockroaches and rodent droppings were found in others during Jan. 12-Feb. 1 inspections, according to data from Tarrant County compiled by the Star-Telegram. Tarrant County Public Health is transitioning to a new inspection report format. A perfect score was 0 demerits under the old system. The new system considers 100 as the highest possible score and indicates no violations. Caribbean Vibz, an Irving-based food truck at the Grand Prairie outlet mall, was temporarily closed due to inadequate hot water and plumbing issues. The food truck was reinspected and is now open. Restaurants that score under 70 require a follow-up inspection. None of the 375 establishments inspected received scores lower than 70. Health inspectors observed rodent droppings at Bedford Farmers Market at 2824 Brown Trail Bedford. Roaches were found at Santo Forte Junior High located at 479 Sandy Beach Road in Azle, county data shows. The list of food establishments that received a low score: Sushi Zen at 2600 E Southlake 100, Southlake. Score: 70 Jasons Grocery & Grill at 5922 Jacksboro Highway, Lake Worth. Score: 73 Dennys 7833 at 3543 Jim Wright Freeway, Lake Worth. Score: 74 Jimmys Big Burger at 6334 Lake Worth Blvd. A, Lake Worth. Score: 74 Sabai Thai Express at 2816 Central Drive 115, Bedford. Score: 77 Green Tea House Voyage Fort Worth at 645 Harwood Road, Bedford. Score: 78 Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants that Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) inspected for Jan. 12th - Feb. 1st, 2025. TCPH inspects and scores all restaurants in Tarrant County except for those located in Fort Worth, Arlington, Euless and North Richland Hills. Scores are based on a 100-point scale. When the score is below 70, a follow-up inspection is required. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name. You can also sort by score. Steve Wilson swilson@ Some data analysis in this story was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here.
