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San Antonio Residents Warned After Tourist Brings Measles to Popular Attractions
Health officials are raising concerns after a recent measles outbreak in Texas led to possible exposures at multiple locations in San Antonio. The outbreak, which has primarily affected an under-vaccinated Mennonite community in rural West Texas, has now spread beyond its origin, prompting public health warnings.
Confirmed Cases and Exposure Locations
As of February 24, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed 90 measles cases across seven counties, with Gaines County being the most impacted. The spread of the virus became a major concern when a Gaines County resident, later diagnosed with measles, visited several high-traffic areas in San Antonio while contagious.
According to health officials, the individual visited the following locations:
- February 15, 2025:
- University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Main Campus: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- San Antonio River Walk Attractions (Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Ripley’s Illusion Lab):2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Mr. Crabby’s Seafood and Bar (Live Oak): 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- February 16, 2025:
- Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
According to KSAT, Dr. Anita Kurian, the Deputy Director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, stated that “there is a very good possibility that hundreds of thousands of folks have come in contact” with the measles-infected individual during their visit to San Antonio.
Why Is This Happening? The outbreak is primarily linked to an unvaccinated Mennonite community in West Texas, where low immunization rates have allowed the virus to spread rapidly. Measles is highly contagious, and unvaccinated individuals are particularly at risk. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Symptoms and What to Do If Exposed
Health experts urge anyone who visited the affected locations on the specified dates to monitor for symptoms, which can develop 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Symptoms of measles include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
If symptoms appear, immediately contact a healthcare provider. Individuals should call ahead before visiting a medical facility to prevent further spread.
Prevention: Vaccination is Key
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective after two doses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- First dose: 12-15 months old
- Second dose: 4-6 years old
Unvaccinated individuals, particularly young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk of severe complications.
Public Health Response
Authorities track potential cases and urge residents to check their vaccination records. The Texas DSHS has also issued health alerts to warn travelers and residents about the potential spread of measles beyond the initially affected areas.
For more information on how to protect yourself and where to get vaccinated, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
If you were at any exposure locations during the specified times, stay vigilant and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
