If you were here over the weekend, you may have been exposed, 124 measles cases confirmed across Texas
Editors note: The video above first aired on February 17. The number of confirmed measles cases has risen since.
TEXAS (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is reporting 124 confirmed cases of measles in an ongoing outbreak affecting the South Plains and Panhandle regions, with potential exposures now identified in cities like San Marcos and San Antonio.
In a health alert issued Monday, DSHS warned that a person infected with measles unknowingly traveled from the outbreak area to multiple locations in San Marcos, San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Live Oak, potentially exposing countless people to the highly contagious virus. The agency is now working closely with local health departments to contain the outbreak, offer immunizations, and keep the public informed.
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Health officials say measles virus particles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a location.
Anyone who visited the following places during the listed time frames may have been exposed:
Friday, February 14
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Allsup's Convenience Store, Wall
3 to 7 p.m. – Texas State University, San Marcos
6 to 10 p.m. – Twin Peaks Restaurant, San Marcos
Saturday, February 15
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus
2:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Ripley's Believe It or Not! attractions, San Antonio
6 to 10 p.m. – Mr. Crabby's Seafood, Live Oak
Sunday, February 16
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Buc-ee's, New Braunfels
12:30 to 3 p.m. – Allsup's Convenience Store, Wall
Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory virus that spreads through airborne particles when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can cause severe complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include high fevercough and runny nose red, watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body.
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A person with measles is contagious four days before the rash appears and up to four days after. Health officials urge anyone who develops symptoms or believes they were exposed to immediately isolate and call a healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread.
DSHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that the best defense against measles is vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective in preventing infection after two doses.
West Texas measles outbreak grows to 58 cases: Could it spread to our area?
First MMR dose at 12 to 15 months old
Second dose at 4 to 6 years old
For those who missed routine vaccinations, getting immunized before spring and summer travel is strongly encouraged. As the outbreak spreads, Texas health officials urge the public to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and seek medical guidance if symptoms appear.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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