Patients who experienced a second-trimester pregnancy loss in a Texas hospital had a higher risk of contracting sepsis after the state's initial abortion ban went into effect in 2021, per a new ProPublica investigation.

Why it matters: Texas has become an epicenter of the country's battle over abortion rights and reproductive health.

The big picture: Texas' ban on most abortions is one of the strictest in the country, but the state hasn't studied the ban's impact on pregnant women experiencing complications, ProPublica reports.

What they did: ProPublica reporters analyzed thousands of discharge records from 2017 through 2023 and spoke with dozens of researchers and clinicians about their findings.

• They narrowed the data to hospitalizations that resulted in a pregnancy loss in the second trimester.

What they found: Nearly 3% of hospitalizations during a second-trimester pregnancy loss resulted in sepsis during the nine quarters before the 2021 ban took effect. The rate increased by 55%, to 4.5%, in the nine quarters after the law went into effect.

• The data showed a "dramatic increase" in sepsis after the law took effect among patients whose fetus may have still had a heartbeat when they were admitted to the hospital and lost their pregnancy.

Stunning stat: 120 women died in 2022 and 2023 while hospitalized during their pregnancy or within six weeks postpartum, per the ProPublica analysis. But it's unclear whether their pregnancy or Texas' abortion ban had a role in their death, ProPublica says.

The other side: The Texas Department of State Health Services told Axios it tracks maternal deaths and severe maternal morbidity, which includes pregnancy complications and sepsis, but the agency's figures haven't been updated since 2022 and use only hospital delivery data.

Maternal morbidity

A growing number of Central Texas health departments are warning 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.

Catch up quick: 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.

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.

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.

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🏛️ A Republican Texas senator filed two bills yesterday that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at K-12 schools. (Texas Tribune)

🐦‍⬛ The San Antonio Zoo will temporarily close three bird-related exhibits after a wild black vulture was found dead on the property. Further testing is needed to determine if it had bird flu. (KSAT)

• 🔬 Meanwhile, local scientists at Texas Biomed have been at the forefront of studying bird flu. (SA Report)

🏀 Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is not likely to return this season. His future in the NBA is uncertain as he continues to recover from a November stroke. (ESPN)

San Antonio International has long been considered a low-key airport to fly out of, but that doesn't mean it's cheap.

By the numbers: Average domestic airfare out of SAT was about $385 in the third quarter of 2024, above the national average of $366, per the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

The intrigue: That's the exact same as airfare out of Austin-Bergstrom International — SAT's main competitor.

Between the lines: If an airport has more work travelers buying business- or first-class tickets, that could drive up the average fare.

• Conversely, a heavy presence of budget airlines could reduce the average fare.

What they're saying: Competition between airlines is another major factor, says Zach Griff, senior reporter at The Points Guy — especially at hubs dominated by one carrier.

Caveat: This is a snapshot in time. The actual amount you'll pay will depend on the route, upgrades, schedules, and so on.

Tell a traveler

👋 Megan here. I decided to take advantage of this week's weather with a long walk and was delighted to stumble upon what I think must be blueberries growing along the sidewalk in my neighborhood.

Zoom in: Rainbow Gardens says blueberries are "a satisfying fruit option for San Antonio (despite our lack of acidic soil)."

• Pest and diseases are rarely a problem for blueberries — but you will have to watch out for birds that want to share in your harvest.

📩 Tell me: Do you think this is another type of berry? Hit reply and let me know!

The bottom line: These are the things that make me smile when I'm out and about.