Health authorities are warning people in San Antonio that they may have been exposed to measles — a highly infectious and potentially life-threatening illness.
According to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, a West Texas resident has been diagnosed with measles after a recent weekend visit to downtown San Antonio.
As of Friday, at least 90 cases have been identified in West Texas since late January, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. At least 16 of those patients were hospitalized and five of the 90 had been vaccinated.
Measles, an airborne virus transmissible through infectious droplets in coughs or sneezes, can remain in the air for two hours. The virus had been eliminated from the U.S., but the turn away from vaccines and misinformation in recent years has caused outbreaks across the nation including in parts of West Texas.
Someone from that outbreak area visited Texas State University in San Marcos between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and dined at Twin Peaks Restaurant until 10 p.m. on Feb. 14.
On Feb. 15, this person visited University of Texas at San Antonio’s main campus between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and several River Walk attractions that evening.
Anyone who visited Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Ripley’s Illusion Lab and the Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks Museum between 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 may have been exposed to measles, as well as at Mr. Crabby’s Seafood and Bar in Live Oak from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The next day, this person visited Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels from 9 a.m. to noon.
Measles symptoms
There have not yet been any confirmed cases of measles in San Antonio, but state health officials say additional cases are likely to occur because of the highly contagious nature of this virus.
Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin, or a rash three to five days after other symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A “measles rash” could start at the face and spread down to the rest of the body. Symptoms can appear 7 to 14 days after exposure.
If any of these symptoms appear, stay home and avoid all public gatherings including school and work. Call your doctor to seek testing right away and let them know about exposure or symptoms.
Measles can cause serious complications in young children and anyone with compromised immune systems. It could lead to ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or death.
How to protect yourself
Like COVID-19, protecting the community from the virus starts with information and taking precautions, said Dr. Anita Kurian, deputy director of Metro Health.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and chickenpox and is available at local pharmacies or doctor offices; it’s usually covered by most health insurances.
If administered within 72 hours of exposure, it could provide some protection and may allow the exposed person to return back to school or work.
The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses. One dose is 93% effective and two doses are 97% effective. The spread of measles can be prevented if two-dose coverage of vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community, Metro Health said.
Children six months to 1 year old can get an MMR vaccine and are required to be vaccinated if attending public school, unless they’ve filed for an exemption.
According to state data, over 97% of students in Bexar County and the surrounding area were completely vaccinated during the 2023-2024 school year. The state reports 1.57% of students lack completion of the vaccine for conscientious exemptions, meaning their parents have a strong belief or conviction against vaccines.
Gaines County, where the infected person lives, has a school district with one of the highest rates in Texas, with the majority of its children opted out of at least one required vaccine.
“We encourage everyone to review their vaccination status and seek medical advice if they suspect exposure. Early detection and vaccination are key to preventing the spread of this preventable disease,” she said.
Low cost vaccines are available through appointment with the city’s health department for those who do not have health insurance. Call 210-207-8790 to schedule an appointment. Click here to see planned pop-up vaccine clinics.
