News Summary
A resident in Travis County, Texas, has been diagnosed with measles, the first confirmed case in the area since 1999. Austin Public Health is collaborating with regional health departments to notify individuals possibly exposed at various locations between December 14 and 17. Authorities stress the importance of vaccination, particularly for unvaccinated individuals, and encourage anyone exhibiting symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.
Austin, Texas – A resident of Travis County has been diagnosed with measles, marking the first confirmed case in the area since 1999. The Austin Public Health (APH) department is taking timely action by collaborating with health departments throughout Central Texas to inform individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
The confirmed case comes with heightened attention as APH is actively notifying the public of specific locations and dates where potential exposure may have occurred. The public is informed that anyone who visited these sites should monitor their health closely.
Locations identified for potential exposure include:
- Chipotle Mexican Grill, 6301 W Parmer Lane on December 14 (evening).
- HEB, 6001 W Parmer Lane from December 14 to 16.
- Saam Thai, 6301 W Parmer Lane on December 15.
- Mandola’s Italian, 4700 W Guadalupe Street from December 15 to 16.
- Target, 10107 Research Boulevard on December 16 from 2 pm to 4 pm.
- Marco’s Pizza, 11011 Research Boulevard on December 16.
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 3600 Presidential Boulevard on December 17 from noon to 4 pm in the United Airlines gate 29 area.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Individuals who are unvaccinated are at a significantly higher risk of contracting the virus when exposed. This disease can lead to serious health complications, with approximately one in four cases necessitating hospitalization.
To protect against measles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination. Those who have only received one dose or have not been vaccinated at all are particularly vulnerable to infection.
The initial symptoms of measles typically manifest as a cough, fever, rash, and sore eyes. Individuals who have been to the aforementioned locations and subsequently develop a fever prior to January 1, 2020, are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss potential exposure.
Dr. Mark Escott, the interim health authority and medical director for APH, underscored the importance of vaccination as a key measure in preventing measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The first dose of the MMR vaccine is generally administered when a child is between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose recommended between 4 and 6 years of age. Additional recommendations may apply for children who are either traveling internationally or at risk of outbreaks.
This case underscores the critical public health message regarding vaccination in the community, especially in light of the absence of reported measles cases in Travis County over the last 24 years. Public health officials emphasize that vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps safeguard vulnerable populations who may not be able to receive vaccines for medical reasons.
For those seeking more information about measles and vaccination guidelines, APH has directed individuals to visit their official website for detailed resources.
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Additional Resources
- Hays Free Press: Austin Measles Case
- Wikipedia: Measles
- The FP: A Revolution Begins in Austin
- Google Search: Austin Public Health
- Detroit Free Press: NCAA Tournament Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Winnipeg Free Press: Austin Hedges Injury
- Google News: Measles Austin
- Hays Free Press: Austin Police Department Arrests
- Google Scholar: Measles Vaccination
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
