Yesterday, state health officials confirmed that measles cases have been found in unvaccinated residents of Bandera and Kendall counties, putting the Hill Country on alert with a new public health update and fresh reminders to get vaccinated. The initial case has been tied to out-of-state travel, and public health teams are now tracking down contacts and notifying anyone who may have been exposed. People who develop symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, or a spreading rash are being urged to isolate at home and call their health care provider by phone before heading to a clinic so testing can be arranged safely.
DSHS public update and local response
The Texas Department of State Health Services said in its public update that the two Hill Country counties have been flagged while local health departments investigate where exposures may have occurred and who might have been in those locations. As reported by WOAI, officials emphasized the need for rapid contact tracing and clear, consistent testing protocols so potential cases are not missed.
How measles spreads and when you’re contagious
“People with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after,” the Texas Department of State Health Services said in a news release. The agency also notes that the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours and that symptoms typically begin one to two weeks after exposure, including Koplik spots, high fever, cough and the characteristic flat, red rash. That is a long window in which someone can pass the illness along, and the agency directs the public to its full news release for more detail.
Schools, childcare and exclusion rules
Local school districts are being reminded that, under Texas Administrative Code §97.7, unimmunized children who are exposed to a measles case must be kept out of school and childcare for at least 21 days after their last exposure. That statutory exclusion is designed to slow spread in classrooms and other group settings; the full code text is available at Texas Administrative Code §97.7.
Regional surge raises cross-border concern
The Hill Country warning comes as Mexico deals with a much larger measles surge. According to reporting by The Associated Press, Mexico had more than 2,100 confirmed cases and nearly 6,000 suspected cases through Feb. 6, and officials traced an earlier outbreak in Chihuahua to an unvaccinated child who had visited Seminole, Texas. Health authorities in Mexico have stepped up school screening and vaccination efforts in response to a Pan-American epidemiological alert.
Vaccination and post-exposure options
Two doses of MMR are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that an MMR dose given within 72 hours of exposure may prevent illness or make it milder. The agency also states that infants 6 months and older can receive an early dose in outbreak or travel situations. For technical guidance on vaccination schedules and post-exposure prophylaxis, see the measles chapter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you suspect you were exposed or develop symptoms, state officials advise that you isolate and call your health care provider by phone first so clinicians can arrange safe testing. People who are exposed and unvaccinated are urged to consider vaccination and closely follow instructions from local health departments. Local public health clinics and many pharmacies are offering MMR; check with your provider or the Texas Department of State Health Services for information on clinics in your area.
