A large measles outbreak has reached San Antonio, with cases reported at major universities and tourist attractions in the city. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, an individual who tested positive for the virus in West Texas traveled to two major universities and one of the nation’s busiest tourist attractions – the San Antonio River Walk.
Measles was declared eradicated in the US in 2000, but a recent outbreak in West Texas has seen at least 90 confirmed cases. Comal County public health officials have identified several possible exposure locations in the Austin and San Antonio area, including Texas State University, The University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus, and the San Antonio River Walk.
Health officials are warning people who may have been exposed to take precautions. They recommend reviewing vaccination status, monitoring for symptoms such as fever or rash, and seeking medical advice if exposure is suspected. Early detection and vaccination are key to preventing the spread of this preventable disease.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for two hours after the infected person has left. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically starts at the face and spreads down to the body.
Public health officials urge everyone to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations to protect themselves and those around them. Reviewing immunization records and seeking medical advice if symptoms appear can help prevent the spread of measles.
Source: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/health-science/2025/02/24/514586/measles-alerts-issued-in-san-antonio-new-braunfels-and-san-marcos-as-texas-outbreak-spreads