Person in Kyle tests positive for measles
A person in Kyle has tested positive for measles, according to the Hays County Health Department, which was notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The individual was contagious beginning May 11 until Monday. The person has received care, and public health officials are identifying and notify people who may have been exposed.
No other information is available at this time.
This case is not part of the now 722-case outbreak in West Texas, or the 15 other cases throughout Texas, including two in Travis County.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It spreads by airborne particles and has a 90% infection rate among unvaccinated people exposed to a person with measles. The virus can live on the surfaces of a room for two hours after an exposure.
Funding to fight measles outbreak in Texas hit by DOGE cuts
Measles also has long-term consequences.
"Measles is not just an acute illness," said Dr. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. It causes "immune amnesia," which means people lose their immune protection against other diseases. They also can develop swelling of the brain and other complications years later.
RFK Jr.: MMR vaccine 'most effective way' to prevent measles after 2nd Texas child dies
After seven to 14 days of being exposed, measles starts with:
Cough
Runny nose
Conjunctivitis
Usually a fever of 103 to 104
Four days later:
A rash starting at the head and working its way down the body appears.
The rash can start as sore spots in the mouth.
In severe cases:
Inflammation of the lungs
Pneumonia from a secondary infection
Inflammation of the brain
People born before 1957 are presumed to have immunity because of the amount of measles that was present during that time. People born after that time need to make sure they have been vaccinated with two doses. If you were born between 1957 and 1968, you might not have immunity because the vaccine at the time didn't use a live virus.
Vaccine protection does wane over time. You can get a blood test to check your immunity level to be sure. If you have been pregnant in the last 30 years, you have already had your titer check for rubella, which is in the MMR vaccine, and you would have been told if you did not have immunity.
Children are typically vaccinated at 1 years old and then again between 4 and 6 years old with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
For vaccinations, contact your primary care provider or you can go through Austin Public Health or other public health authorities in your county. You can get vaccinated as an adult if you have not been vaccinated previously.
Austin Public Health offers vaccinations for free or at reduced rates for children and adults who do not have insurance, have Medicaid or are underinsured. The typical cost is $13 for children and $25 for adults. You can make an appointment at 512-972-5520 for the clinics at 405 W. Stassney Lane in South Austin or 7500 Blessing Avenue in Northeast Austin.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Person in Kyle tests positive for measles
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