The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that a significant measles outbreak has hit San Antonio and San Marcos. This is the largest outbreak we’ve seen in decades, with at least 90 confirmed cases in West Texas.
An individual from Gaines County, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the state, traveled to several key locations recently. Here’s where they visited:
- Friday, February 14th: Texas State University in San Marcos from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Twin Peaks restaurant in San Marcos from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, February 15th: The University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- San Antonio River Walk— attractions like the Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Ripley’s Illusion Lab from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Mr. Crabby’s Seafood and Bar in Live Oak from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If you were in these places during these times, it’s important to monitor for symptoms. Measles can be extremely contagious, especially for children or those with weakened immune systems.
Dr. Anita Kurian from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District urges anyone who feels they might have been exposed to reach out to their healthcare provider. “Measles is preventable, but it can lead to serious health issues,” she said.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to effective vaccination programs. However, declining vaccination rates have raised concerns about future outbreaks.
Here are steps health officials recommend for those who may have been exposed:
- Check your vaccination records. If you’re not vaccinated or have never had measles, consult a healthcare provider about getting the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
- If you are pregnant, have a young child, or a weakened immune system, reach out to your doctor regardless of your vaccination status.
- Be alert for symptoms like fever or a rash within 4 to 21 days after exposure.
- If you develop symptoms, stay home and contact your healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can linger for hours in the air and on surfaces. Common symptoms include:
- High fever (up to 105°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body
The MMR vaccine is effective and offered in two doses, protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella. Keeping vaccination rates high in the community helps prevent outbreaks. For more information about measles, you can check this website.
