Measles cases reported in Mansfield

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

Tarrant County reported its first cases of measles in decades – and they are in Mansfield.

Since widespread vaccination in 2000, measles had been eliminated in the United States until January when a strain hit West Texas and began to spread across the state and the nation. So far, the United States has reported 935 cases in 2025, with 121 of those requiring hospitalization and three people dying from the virus.

On May 2, Tarrant County reported an adult and child with measles visited Methodist Mansfield Medical Center emergency department. The unvaccinated patients were in the emergency department from 8 p.m. April 29 through 3 a.m. April 30. Anyone who was at Methodist Mansfield during that time and believes they may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider immediately and monitor for symptoms, according to the health department.

Symptoms of the measles can begin from seven to 21 days after exposure, and include fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a red blotchy rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through airborne contact, such as breathing, coughing or sneezing. The virus can remain on surfaces for up to two hours.

People who are fully vaccinated (two doses) are not likely to contract the disease. People who are not immune and develop symptoms should isolate and contact their doctor.

The Mansfield ISD has not had a case reported. Students are required to be immunized for rubeola (measles) before entering school. Students may be exempt if they present an affidavit from a physician stating that the immunization is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the student of a member of the student’s household. Students can also be exempt if their parent or guardian declines due to reasons of conscience, including religious belief.