Public Health Alert: Measles Exposure Feared at Game Attended by 40,000 Fans
Measles Case Confirmed at Texas Baseball Game Raises Outbreak Concerns
Health officials in Texas are urging the public to remain vigilant after confirming a measles case in an adult who attended a Major League Baseball game at Globe Life Field in Arlington. The individual was among the nearly 40,000 fans present for the Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game on April 19.
Denton County authorities say the patient, whose vaccination status is unknown, visited multiple public locations across the region from April 19 to 22. This marks the first confirmed measles case in the county amid growing national concerns over a potential widespread outbreak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has recorded 884 measles cases so far this year across 33 jurisdictions, including three deaths. Texas has reported 663 of those cases, with 87 hospitalizations and two deaths involving unvaccinated children aged six and eight.
Health officials have not disclosed whether the baseball game attendee is currently hospitalized or self-isolating. Due to the disease's high contagion rate, Denton County residents are being advised to monitor for symptoms—including fever, cough, runny nose, and rash—for 21 days following possible exposure.
Measles is among the most contagious diseases globally, spreading through airborne droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. If one person is infected, up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals around them will also become infected.
The unidentified patient reportedly visited several venues during the exposure window, including Guitars and Growlers in Flower Mound, a Walmart in Lewisville, Rangers Republic at Texas Live! in Arlington, and Pho Tay Do restaurant in Richardson.
"This case is further evidence that measles cases are rising—and North Texas is not exempt," said Dr. Matt Richardson, Director of Denton County Public Health. “Vaccination is the best protection, and anyone with symptoms should get tested immediately.”
The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—first at 12–15 months and again at 4–6 years. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing infection; two doses are 97% effective. Adults unsure of their immunity status should check their vaccination records.
The last time measles was this widespread in the U.S. was in 2019, when 1,274 cases were reported. Prior to that, the 1990 outbreak saw over 27,000 cases. Though the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have led to its resurgence.
With over 75% of this year’s cases affecting children under 19—and 97% of patients being unvaccinated—officials are stressing the urgent need to boost immunization efforts nationwide.