Measles Outbreak Reaches Texas Universities, Public Health Alert Issued

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A significant measles outbreak has spread to San Antonio and San Marcos, prompting health officials to issue urgent public health alerts. The outbreak, which has now reached at least 90 confirmed cases across Texas, is linked to an individual from Gaines County who traveled to major public locations, including two universities and the popular San Antonio River Walk.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that the individual, who tested positive for measles, visited Texas State University on February 14 and later the University of Texas at San Antonio on February 15. Health authorities are now urging anyone who was present in these areas during those times to monitor for symptoms of the disease.

Specific locations of potential exposure include Texas State University between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in San Marcos on February 14. The following day, the same individual was at the University of Texas at San Antonio between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by visits to several attractions along the River Walk, including the Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Mr. Crabby’s Seafood and Bar.

“Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious health complications, especially for children and those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Anita Kurian, Deputy Director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. She emphasized the importance of vaccination to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks.

Gaines County is notably the epicenter of this outbreak, reporting an 18 percent unvaccinated rate among school-age children, the highest rate in Texas this school year. The outbreak in Texas is particularly alarming as measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 through effective vaccination campaigns. Health officials are concerned that declining vaccination rates have returned the conditions that lead to outbreaks.

“Texas is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of measles in decades,” stated Hays County Local Health Authority Dr. John Turner. “Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection.”

The symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a flat red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after. Both health departments are working collaboratively to contact potential exposure sites and provide guidance to the public.

Dr. Kurian urged individuals who may have been exposed to seek medical advice promptly. “Protecting our community from measles starts with being informed and taking necessary precautions,” she stated.

Officials recommend that anyone exposed to the virus take immediate action, including contacting their healthcare provider if symptoms develop. The vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is highly effective, with two doses providing 97 percent efficacy against measles.

As the outbreak continues to grow, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra reassured that county agencies are prepared to respond. “Our department is proactively addressing public health emergencies and enhancing our response strategies,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community.”