TEXAS — Measles exposures have been reported at two Texas colleges and several businesses between San Marcos and San Antonio amid the growing West Texas outbreak.
On Feb. 14, a Gaines County resident visited Texas State University from 3 to 8 p.m. and tested positive for the measles by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), according a press release from Hays County.
Additionally, on Feb. 15, a Gaines County resident visited the University of Texas at San Antonio between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. during UTSA Day and has now tested positive for measles.
That same Saturday, the individual also visited attractions on the bustling San Antonio River Walk like the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! museum and Ripley's Illusion Lab between 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. They then dined at Mr. Crabby's Seafood and Bar in Live Oak between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to information from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District shared in a post on X by San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
Comal County officials said Sunday the infected individual also visited a Buc-ee's convenience store in New Braunfels on Feb. 16. The potential exposure time was from 9 a.m. to noon. They believe it's the same individual from Gaines County.
“Anyone who visited the following locations during the specified time frames should monitor for symptoms and check their vaccination status,” said Comal County Public Health Director Cheryl Fraser.
UTSA has said they believe the individual’s infectious window was likely after their date of visit but are still alerting the community and anyone who may have been exposed.
County officials believe those who were on the Texas State University campus approximately at 3 to 7 p.m. and who were at Twin Peaks Restaurant near campus from 6 to 10 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this individual.
Hays County and DSHS will collaborate to notify those who may have been exposed.
Hays County has provided guidance for those who may have been at the locations with the person who later tested positive for the measles:
Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles infection. People who have not had measles infection or received measles immunization previously may not be protected from the measles virus and should talk with a health care provider about receiving measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization.
Contact and notify their health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant or have a weakened immune system regardless of vaccination history
Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from four days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop)
If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Call a health care provider immediately. Do not enter a health care facility before calling and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms. The health department can assist health care providers in appropriately diagnosing and managing your care.
Symptoms of measles include:
- High fever (up to 105°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Rash (typically appears 3–5 days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downward)
“Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Texas is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of measles in decades,” said Hays County Local Health Authority John Turner. “Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection. To minimize the risk of infection and serious illness, individuals should make sure they are vaccinated.”
For more information regarding this potential exposure, click here.
