Officials warn of possible measles exposure in San Marcos and San Antonio
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Declining vaccination rates have allowed measles to spread in Texas despite the virus being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Photo: Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
A growing number of Central Texas health departments are warning residents of possible exposure to measles, the latest sign that the outbreak in West Texas is spreading across the state.
Why it matters: Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease that has surged in areas with high vaccination exemption rates.
- Childhood vaccination rates have been stalling out globally, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who has embraced the debunked theory linking the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism — has been confirmed as the nation's top health official.
Driving the news: A person from the West Texas outbreak area — while still contagious — made stops in San Marcos and San Antonio during the weekend of Feb. 14–16, state health officials said.
- The person visited Texas State University on Feb. 14 and a Twin Peaks restaurant in San Marcos that night.
- They made several stops at tourist attractions in San Antonio over the next couple of days.
What they're saying: "Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection," Anita Kurian, San Antonio Metro Health deputy director, said in a statement Sunday.
- "We urge everyone to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations to protect themselves and those around them."
How it works: The virus can survive in the air for up to two hours, and measles symptoms can begin seven to 21 days after exposure.
- It can be transmitted by direct contact or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Several days later, a rash breaks out as flat red spots on the face and travels down the rest of the body.
- A person is contagious for about four days before the rash appears to four days after, per the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Those who may have been exposed to measles should isolate themselves, monitor for symptoms and call their health care provider.
Between the lines: Public health experts say the spread of the disease is preventable with two doses of a vaccine against measles, such as the MMR vaccine.
- Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but health advocates worry the decline in vaccination rates is allowing the disease to make a comeback.
By the numbers: A growing portion of parents in Texas have been opting out of vaccines for their kids over religious or personal reasons.
- About 3.5% of Texas kindergartners had vaccine exemptions in the 2022–23 school year, double the rate from 2012.
- Travis County's exemption rate was 3.45% in the 2022–23 school year.
Threat level: Nearly 100 people have contracted measles in Gaines County since January, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. A majority of them are children.
- The number is expected to continue to climb.