Health officials sound alarms after Texas measles outbreak spreads to metropolitan area with nearly 100 sick now
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Health officials are warning Texas residents about potential exposure to the measles virus, as the infectious disease has spread rapidly across the southern state in one of its largest outbreaks in decades.
In San Antonio, the Texas Department of State Health Services said that a possible exposure happened at the University of Texas at San Antonio on February 15. An individual from Gaines County who tested positive for the virus visited the university’s main campus, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Mr. Crabby’s Seafood and Bar and other tourist locations, officials said.
The department said that anyone at those locations in the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. CST and at the restaurant between 6 and 8 p.m. should monitor for symptoms.
“Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. If you think you may have been exposed or are showing symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately,” Metro Health Deputy Director Dr. Anita Kurian said in a statement.
So far, 99 people have been sickened in the outbreak across Texas and New Mexico, leading to a coordinated response from health authorities who are concerned about how many cases have yet to be detected across the region. Many of the cases have come among unvaccinated people as health officials stress the importance of the vaccine to prevent against the disease that has been eradicated in the U.S.
In San Marcos, less than an hour away from San Antonio, a Gaines County resident visited Texas State University and the Twin Peaks Restaurant on February 14. People near the university from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and at the restaurant from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles, health officials warned.
People in those areas during those times or up to two hours later should monitor for symptoms. The Hays County Health Department said that those who may have been exposed will be notified by their local health authority. State agencies are working together to investigate potential contacts.
“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,” noted Hays County Local Health Authority Dr. John Turner.
As of last Friday – the state’s latest update – there were 90 cases reported since January. Sixteen people have been hospitalized and five of the cases were among the vaccinated. Additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area, the Department of State Health Services warned. Of those 90, 57 were in Gaines County.
But, the outbreak is no longer just impacting Texas residents. There are now nine cases reported in neighboring New Mexico’s Lea County.
The majority of cases in both states are in younger people, between the ages of five and 17 years old.
Measles, which can survive in the air for up to two hours, can cause serious illness and death. Infections can lead to brain swelling and blindness. And, up to nine out of 10 of those susceptible will get the virus if they have been exposed.
The best way to prevent infection is two doses of a vaccine against measles. Clinics have been set up in response to the threat.
“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,” Turner said.
