HAYS COUNTY — A virtual town hall was hosted by Hays County Commissioner Michelle Cohen and State Rep. Erin Zweiner Thursday, March 6, to discuss the current situation surrounding measles in Hays County.
The conversation on measles has become more recent as, according to both the county and the Hays County Health Department (HCHD), there was a potential for exposure of residents to a person — a resident of Gaines County — who tested positive for measles and visited the Texas State University campus and San Marcos Friday, Feb. 14.
“That trip or tour happened in San Marcos, Texas, at the Texas State University [campus] on February 14 or Valentine's Day. They were here in the community approximately from one o’clock or two o’clock, all the way until 8 p.m.,” explained Matthew Gonzales, health department director. “What we know about measles is that it is an airborne virus. It also sticks to surfaces. And what it does, that specific virus can last up into the air and or the surfaces for up to two hours. So, we had to be able to assess those sites, exposure sites, and individuals within those two-hour time periods. Where they have left Texas State at 5, we're now having to consider who was there until 7 p.m. They were at Twin Peaks until 8; we’re having to look until 10 p.m.”
