Public Urged to Monitor Measles Symptoms After Collin County Exposures

McKinney, Texas – Collin County health officials have issued a warning about potential measles exposures at four public venues. The announcement came on May 27, following a confirmed case of measles involving an individual who visited these locations while contagious from May 19 to May 22.

The affected venues include 24 Hour Fitness, Moviehouse & Eatery, Cubana Grille, and Market Street, with exposure times varying between 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Officials urge anyone who has been at these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms until June 12.

Measles symptoms typically start with fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat followed by a distinctive rash. Health officials have specifically advised immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and those who are unvaccinated to contact their healthcare provider if they suspect exposure.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, which can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left. The virus mainly spreads among unvaccinated populations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles.

Texas has reported 729 confirmed measles cases since the beginning of the outbreak in January, marking the state’s largest outbreak in decades. Of those cases, 94 individuals have been hospitalized and unfortunately, two unvaccinated school-aged children have died from complications related to the disease.

Those experiencing symptoms after being in the identified locations should stay home and contact a healthcare provider for advice before seeking treatment. For further details on measles, including prevention and symptoms, individuals can visit the CDC website.