SAN MARCOS – The Hays County Health Department was notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) about the potential exposure of residents after a person tested positive for measles. The Gaines County resident visited San Marcos from 3-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14.
Individuals who were at Texas State University from approximately 3-7 p.m. and Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6-10 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles, due to exposure to this individual. In collaboration with DSHS, individuals who may have been exposed will be notified by their respective local health authority. HCHD, DSHS and other local health agencies are working closely together to investigate the potential contacts.
“Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Texas is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of measles in decades,” said Hays County Local Health Authority John Turner, MD. “Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection. To minimize the risk of infection and serious illness, individuals should make sure they are vaccinated.”
HCHD will reach oput to people who are known to have been in contact with the person who later tested positive for measles to provide guidance and conduct case investigations, according to a Hays County news release.
Ninety percent of people who are not vaccinated or have not had a previous measles infection will become infected with the virus, said the release. If an individual has symptoms, they should contact their primary care provider, an urgent care or an emergency room to set up an appointment and quarantine for four days after the onset of a rash.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, the release stated. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left. The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.
Common symptoms for measles include:
• High fever (as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth two-three days after symptoms begin
• Rash three-five days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body
According to the Hays County release, measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective. The spread of measles can be prevented if two-dose coverage of vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community.
Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR and MMRV vaccine. Insured persons should check with their doctor or local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net program (ASN). Individuals who do not qualify for TVFC and who do not have insurance can visit a Federally Qualified Health Center. The FQHC for Hays County is CommuniCare.
People who were in the aforementioned locations during the specified times should:
• Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles infection. People who have not had measles infection or received measles immunization previously may not be protected from the measles virus and should talk with a health care provider about receiving the MMR immunization.
• Contact and notify their health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant or have a weakened immune system, regardless of vaccination history
• Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from four days to 21 days after their exposure
• If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a health care facility before calling and making them aware of measles exposure and symptoms. The health department can assist healthcare providers in appropriately diagnosing and managing care.
“The Hays County Health Department is acting with haste to ensure the readiness and preparedness of partner agencies in response to this notification,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Beccera. “The county has taken great strides to improve our response to public health emergencies. I am confident that the department will be capable of minimizing the impact of a potential measles outbreak in our county. I will work with the [health] department and Office of Emergency Services to offer additional resources as needed.”
For more information, visit www.hayscountytx.gov/current-public-health-situations or bit.ly/4hSdzx9.
