A case of measles has been confirmed in Hays County, marking a concerning public health development. According to a statement by the Hays County Health Department (HCHD), a resident of Kyle tested positive for the highly contagious virus. The unnamed individual, categorized as unvaccinated due to a lack of immunization documentation, was deemed infectious from May 11 to May 19. Health officials are now scrambling to identify and notify anyone who may have come into contact with the patient during this period.
The case has raised alarms because measles is notorious for its high transmission rate; the HCHD emphasized, "Ninety percent of people who are not vaccinated or have not had a previous measles infection will become infected" upon exposure. The urgency to effectively track all possible exposures has led officials to release a list of locations where at-risk individuals might have encountered the virus. Preemptive measures are being taken to reach out to those who frequented these destinations on dates considered under the contagion window, with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) being a primary countermeasure being offered.
Hays County residents are advised to check their vaccination records and remain vigilant for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and the hallmark measles rash. "Our department has thoroughly prepared for the chance of a positive measles case within the county," said a spokesperson from HCHD, remarking on the swift response. The department's focus is on ensuring that exposed individuals are aware and able to take necessary precautions to halt further spread.
Precautionary options for those who may have been exposed include the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, which is most effective when administered within 72 hours of exposure, and immune globulin (IG), pertinent particularly for infants, pregnant individuals without immunity, or the immunocompromised. Anyone uncertain about their immunity status or who believes they might have been in close proximity to the measles case has been told directly to contact their healthcare provider to discuss whether PEP is appropriate for them.
If you are concerned about exposure to measles, more information can be found on the Hays County Health Department website or by calling their office directly. For those outside of Hays County, such as residents of Travis County, Austin Public Health is the go-to resource for assistance. And for those uninsured or underinsured, free or low-cost vaccines are accessible through established channels like the Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net (ASN) programs.
