The Hayes County Health Department provided a map and time for possible measles exposures.
SAN MARCOS, Texas – Hayes County health officials are warning residents of the possibility that anyone who tested positive for the illness visited San Marcos on Friday, Feb. 14, could be exposed to measles.
The Gaines County resident who tested positive for measles was in San Marcos that Friday from 3pm to 8pm, according to the Hayes County Health Department. Those who were at Texas State University from 3pm to 7pm and at Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6pm to 10pm may be at risk of developing measles.
The same individual visited the Texas San Antonio University campus on February 15th, along with several locations on the Riverwalk and live oak’s Craby seafood. The next day they stopped by Buc-EE in New Braunfels.
Hayes County Health Department manager Matthew Gonzalez confirmed with KVUE that the infected person has been vaccinated.
“They were vaccinated and were one dose of the MMR vaccine,” Gonzalez said.
Serenity Lapointe is a freshman in Texas and shared concerns about measles.
“I might have to put off (it’s) if I feel I have symptoms, especially when I visit my family,” Lapointe said. “I’m not too dangerous, so I don’t worry about myself, but I worry about others.”
Individuals who may have been exposed will be notified by local health officials, health officials said. The Hayes County Health Department, the Texas Department of State, and other local health agencies are working together to investigate potential contacts.
“Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can be contacted with an infected person through coughing or sneezing. Texas is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of measles in decades,” said the Hayes County local health department doctor. “Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at a higher risk of infection. To minimize the risk of infection or serious illness, individuals need to make sure they are vaccinated.”
90% of people who have not been vaccinated or have not had a previous measles infection will contract the virus.
The Health Department will contact people who are known to have been in contact with someone who later tested positive for measles and provided guidance.
Anyone with symptoms will contact their primary care provider, emergency care, or emergency room to set up an appointment for four days after the onset of the rash and quarantine.
Anyone who was in a possible exposure location during the specified time should:
Check your vaccinations and medical records. Those who do not have measles or have not been vaccinated should talk to their healthcare provider about MMR vaccination. If you are pregnant, have an infant, or have a poor vaccination history, absorb your health care provider as quickly as possible for potential exposures. Call your healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a medical facility before making a call or making them aware of measles exposure or symptoms.
“The Hayes County Health Department is in a hurry to ensure the preparation and preparation of partner agencies in response to this notice,” said Hayes County Judge Reuben Bexela. “The county has made great strides to improve public health emergency response. I am confident that this department can minimize the impact of a potential outbreak of measles in our county. We will work with the (Health) Department and the Department of Emergency Services to provide additional resources when necessary.”
Measles spreads into the air when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs, or sneezes. Even after the infected person leaves, the virus can remain in the air and on the surface for two hours.
Infected individuals can spray the disease up to four days before the measles rash appears, and can spray it up to four days after the rash appears.
It can cause infection if others breathe contaminated air, touch infected surfaces, or touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Common symptoms of measles include:
High fever (as high as 105 degrees) cofranninocells and watery eye-like white spots can appear in the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin 3-5 days after signs of other illnesses. A “measles rash” usually starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
