Hays County alerts residents of potential measles exposure in San Marcos
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Hays County Health Department alerted residents about possible exposure to a person who tested positive for measles.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. It can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left.
According to the department, a Gaines County resident with measles visited San Marcos on Feb. 14 from 3 to 8 p.m. The adult was part of a tour group at Texas State University. About 60 people were part of the tour.
Possible exposure sites included:
Texas State University from approximately 3 to 7 p.m.
Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6 to 10 p.m. (1207 Purple Heart Trail, San Marcos)
Individuals who may have been exposed are expected to be notified by their local health authority. The health department plans to do thorough contact tracing, prioritizing high-risk contacts.
HCHD said the infected adult had one dose of the MMR vaccine, which makes it less likely that measles spread to others.
'Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Texas is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of measles in decades,' said Hays County Local Health Authority John Turner, MD.
HCHD said people at the above locations during the specified times should:
Review immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles infection
Contact 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 illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from four days to 21 days after exposure
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 Hays County Health Department is acting with haste to ensure the readiness and preparedness of partner agencies in response to this notification,' said Hays County Judge Ruben Beccera. 'The county has taken great strides to improve our response to public health emergencies. I am confident that the department will be capable of minimizing the impact of a potential measles outbreak in our county.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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