SAN ANTONIO – Health officials are warning of a measles outbreak in Central Texas after identifying cases in unvaccinated residents of Kendall and Bandera counties.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a public health update Friday, noting that the initial case was linked to out-of-state travel.
Disease Overview and Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread through direct contact or airborne droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.
According to DSHS, symptoms typically begin one to two weeks after exposure and include:
High fever, cough, and runny nose.Red, watery eyes.A “telltale” rash of flat, red spots that usually starts at the hairline or face before spreading down the body.Koplik spots, which are tiny bluish-white specks inside the mouth.
Patients are considered contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after its onset.
Vaccination and Prevention
Health officials emphasized that two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the disease. While some vaccinated individuals may still contract the virus, they typically experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread it to others.
DSHS recommends children receive their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose between ages 4 and 6.
Public Health Guidance
Residents who suspect they have been exposed or are showing symptoms are urged to isolate immediately. To prevent further spread, the DSHS advises calling a healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic for testing so the facility can prepare.
Under the Texas Administrative Code, schools and childcare centers must exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days following their last exposure to a measles case.
Health care providers are asked to report suspected cases immediately to local health departments, preferably while the patient is still present to facilitate rapid testing and investigation.