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ARLINGTON, TX — As Texas grapples with a severe measles outbreak that has claimed two young lives and infected 505 individuals across multiple counties, Arlington hospitals are standing out for their commitment to patient safety. Medical City Arlington and Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital-Arlington have been named among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide in the 2025 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Awards, a recognition that underscores their dedication to preventing serious complications and maintaining high standards of care during a public health crisis.
A Measles Crisis Unfolds in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services reports 505 confirmed measles cases, with 57 hospitalizations, primarily in counties like Gaines, Lubbock, and Terry [Web ID: 0]. Tragically, two unvaccinated school-aged children from the outbreak area have died, marking a somber milestone in the state’s battle against the highly contagious virus [Web ID: 0]. The outbreak, which has spread to 22 states with a national total of 712 cases, highlights the dangers of vaccine hesitancy, as 97% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status [Web ID: 3]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, with a 97% effectiveness rate after two doses, remains the best defense against the virus [Web ID: 1].
Arlington has so far been spared from the outbreak, but the proximity of confirmed cases in Erath and Brown counties southwest of Fort Worth has heightened local vigilance [Web ID: 0]. Health experts warn that measles, which spreads through airborne droplets and can linger in the air for up to two hours, poses a significant risk in unvaccinated communities [Web ID: 1]. With vaccination rates in some Texas counties like Gaines at just 82%—well below the 95% needed for herd immunity—the potential for further spread remains a concern [Web ID: 2].
Arlington Hospitals Earn Top Safety Honors
Amid this public health challenge, Arlington’s healthcare institutions are earning praise for their exceptional safety standards. Medical City Arlington, a 432-bed acute care hospital, and Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital-Arlington, a specialized 24-bed facility, have been recognized by Healthgrades for their 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Awards [Web ID: 0]. This accolade places them among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide, evaluated based on patient outcomes, complication rates, and mortality across 4,500 hospitals [Web ID: 17]. Healthgrades’ analysis suggests that if all hospitals performed at this level, nearly 101,000 patient safety events could have been avoided between 2021 and 2023 [Web ID: 0].
“Patient safety is our top priority, especially during a time of heightened public health concerns,” said a spokesperson for Medical City Arlington, which has also been noted for its comprehensive emergency services [Web ID: 17]. Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital-Arlington echoed this commitment, emphasizing its focus on specialized care that minimizes risks [Web ID: 17]. These recognitions position Arlington as a hub for high-quality healthcare, alongside other Dallas-Fort Worth hospitals like those in the Medical City Healthcare system, which also earned multiple Healthgrades awards [Web ID: 17].
A Call to Action for Community Health
The juxtaposition of a deadly measles outbreak and Arlington’s healthcare excellence serves as a stark reminder of the importance of both prevention and preparedness. Local health officials are urging residents to ensure their MMR vaccinations are up to date, particularly as travel seasons approach, which could exacerbate the spread of measles [Web ID: 1]. The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued specific guidance for affected counties, recommending early MMR doses for infants as young as 6 months [Web ID: 1].
As Arlington hospitals lead by example in patient safety, the community is encouraged to take proactive steps to protect against preventable diseases like measles. Have thoughts on this health crisis or hospital safety? Contact us here. Stay connected with Arlington’s health updates—check upcoming events or post your own at the Arlington Events Calendar.
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