The Hays County Health Department was notified that a Kyle resident tested positive for measles by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The individual is considered unvaccinated because they were unable to provide documentation of receiving the measles vaccine. The individual was contagious beginning Sunday, May 11 until May 19. The individual has received care, and public health officials are working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.
Individuals who were at the places at the times listed below may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this individual. While the individual was not considered infectious during visits to the listed locations before May 11, these locations are being included out of an abundance of caution due to the small possibility of early transmission.
- May 10 at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Kohls – Sephora; 20185 Marketplace Ave, Kyle
- May 10 at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; H-E-B Plus; 5401 Farm to Market 1626, Kyle
- May 13 at 11:47 a.m. to 2:23 p.m.; CommuniCare - Kyle Clinic; 2810 Dacy Lane, Kyle
- May 13 at 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Texas Department of Public Safety; 1400 N IH-35, San Marcos
- May 16 at 12:50 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Ascension Seton Hays; 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle
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.
“Our department has thoroughly prepared for the chance of a positive measles case within the county. We have learned from the many lessons identified from the measles exposure in February of this year,” Gonzales said. “We are working closely with the healthcare providers and businesses exposed to ensure the safety of their patients and customers. The health and safety of our residents is our priority. Our focus will be ensuring those who are exposed are notified and capable of taking the proper precautions for their health and to prevent the further exposure of other individuals.”
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 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.
Post-exposure prophylaxis:
Postexposure prophylaxis refers to medical treatment given after someone has been exposed to a contagious disease, in this case measles, with the goal of preventing infection or reducing the severity of illness. PEP is most effective when administered as soon as possible after exposure and can significantly lower the risk of developing the disease. There are two primary forms of PEP for measles: the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine and immune globulin, each appropriate for different situations.
MMR Vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis:
- The Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine can provide protection if administered within 72 hours (3 days) of the initial exposure.
- This option is recommended for most healthy individuals aged 6 months and older who have not been fully vaccinated or whose immunity is uncertain.
Immune Globulin
- IG is a preparation of antibodies that provides temporary protection against measles. It can be administered after exposure to help prevent or lessen the severity of the disease, especially in people who are at higher risk of serious illness.
- Immune globulin may offer protection when given within 6 days of exposure.
- IG is typically reserved for infants, pregnant individuals without immunity or those who are immunocompromised.
If you think you may have been in close contact with someone who has measles and are unsure of your immunity:
- Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to find out if postexposure prophylaxis is appropriate for you and which type (MMR vaccine or immune globulin) is best based on your age, health status and vaccination history.
- You can also call the Hays County Health Department at (512) 393-5520 for additional guidance or assistance.
- If you are a resident of Travis County who was exposed, please contact Austin Public Health at (512) 972- 5555.
For more information visit: hayscountytx.gov/current-public-health-situations. The site will continue to be updated as more information is available.
About Measles
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left. The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.
Common symptoms for measles include:
- High fever (as high as 105°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body
Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective. The spread of measles can be prevented if two-dose coverage of the vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community. For more information on measles, visit: dshs.texas.gov/vaccine-preventable-diseases/vaccine-preventable-disease-conditions/measles-rubeola.
Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR and MMRV vaccine. Insured persons should check with their doctor or local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net program. Individuals who do not qualify for TVFC and who do not have insurance can visit a Federally Qualified Health Center. The FQHC for Hays County is CommuniCare.
Hays County Health Department is the local health authority for Hays County. The Health Department provides Immunization, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infection services and conducts public health prevention and intervention programming. For more information about the department: hayscountytx.gov/health-department
