The Hays County Health Department, or HCHD, was notified about the potential for exposure of residents to a person who tested positive for measles by the Texas Department of State Health Services, or DSHS. The Gaines County resident visited San Marcos on Feb. 14 from 3 to 8 p.m.
Individuals who were at Texas State University from approximately 3 to 7 p.m. and Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6 to 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 contact 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.
Ninety percent of people who are not vaccinated or have not had a previous measles infection will become infected with the virus. 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.
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 measles, mumps and rubella (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 (the time period when symptoms may develop)
• 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 your measles exposure and symptoms. The health department can assist healthcare providers in appropriately diagnosing and managing your 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: https://www.hays countytx.gov/current-public-health-situations. The site will continue to be updated as more information is available.
