Latest news with #HaysCountyHealthDepartment
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Saving lives': Hays County Jail installs Narcan vending machine
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As a way to combat the opioid overdose crisis, the Hays County Jail installed a Narcan vending machine at its facility. The vending machine will be available to the public, as well as discharged inmates, the Hays County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The initiative to install the vending machine was made possible via a partnership between HCSO, the Behavioral Health Program of the Hays County Health Department and the Texas Integrated Community Opioid Network (ICON), the release said. Naloxone, which is commonly known as Narcan, 'is a life-saving medication that can reverse the potentially fatal effects of opioid overdoses, including those caused by heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkillers,' the release said. The Hays County Jail is one of 'a growing number of facilities across the country that are proactively tackling the opioid epidemic,' HCSO said. 'It's a privilege to work with individuals who are genuinely dedicated to the health and well-being of all Hays County residents,' said Chief Deputy Brett Bailey. 'This is a significant proactive step toward saving lives, and I'm extremely grateful for our partnership with the Hays County Health Department and ICON.' The sheriff's office went on to say that the Behavioral Health Program of the Hays County Health Department will provide 'educational materials and resources near the vending machine.' 'These resources will ensure that individuals not only have access to naloxone but also receive vital guidance and support for addressing substance use disorders,' HCSO said in the release. Additionally, the sheriff's office said the health department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Texas Health Science Center as a way to collaborate with community initiatives surrounding drug use and mental health. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bird flu: Wild bird tests positive for virus in Hays County
The Brief A wild bird in Hays County tested positive for bird flu The CDC says 70 human cases of bird flu have been detected in the U.S. There have been several other detections of bird flu throughout Central Texas HAYS COUNTY, Texas - A wild bird in Hays County tested positive for bird flu. While Hays County Health officials say the risk to the public is low, one group has a higher risk of contracting the virus. RELATED:Wild bird tests positive for bird flu in Hays County What we know The Hays County Health Department was notified by the state on Friday that a dead wild bird from the northwestern area of the county tested positive for the bird flu. Avian Influenza, also known as the bird flu, primarily affects wild birds, particularly waterfowl, and domestic poultry. "It was a vulture that tested positive for bird flu. It's something that we're seeing south of us in Comal County. There was a big die off of some of the vultures there that also tested positive," said Matthew Gonzalez, Hays County Health Department Manager. "The bird was not alive at the time. It was on a private property. The resident contacted Texas Parks and Wildlife, who then assisted with the collection of the bird," said Gonzalez. The Hays County Health Department advises those that work with wild birds, poultry, or dairy cows are at a greater risk of contacting bird flu if exposed to a sick or infected animal. "In general, we always caution individuals from coming into physical contact with a dead animal whenever they don't know the cause of death because you don't know if it was a certain bacteria that may have caused the death of the animal. In this case, you don't know if it was the virus that did it," said Gonzalez. What they're saying While human infections are rare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 70 cases nationwide, with one death recorded so far. Symptoms in humans resemble the flu and can also include pink eye. As for how the transmission happens through animals, "Through the shedding of the animal so that means any bodily fluids, any waste, any urine of any kind that's been transmitted to other avian species, but also what we're seeing in say the feline species of cats we're seeing that's a way of it being transmitted," said Gonzalez. What they're saying According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, widespread detections have happened across Texas, with the most recent findings in Wharton, Galveston, El Paso, Potter and Harris counties. The San Antonio Zoo shared on social media Monday saying a dead wild black bird is undergoing further testing for potential bird flu, even temporarily closing some of its exhibits as a result. Just last month, multiple domestic ducks were recovered at the pond on the northeast corner of the Arboretum Blvd and 360 Capital of Texas Highway intersection in northwest Austin. Earlier this month, multiple black vultures were found at Landa Park in New Braunfels, according to TWPD. Why you should care The CDC recommends avoiding sources of exposure as the best way to protect yourself and others from bird flu. Do not touch sick or dead animals Do not bring sick wild animals into your home. Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals - Avoid uncooked food products such as raw milk or cheeses. If you experience sickness after contact with sick or dead birds, contact your healthcare provider. If you encounter an animal you think could be linked to bird flu, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Source Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Jenna King
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles: Possible exposure in San Marcos leads to growing concerns
The Brief There are growing concerns about Central Texans who were possibly exposed to the measles Someone who tested positive for the virus was at Texas State University in San Marcos on February 14 That person was also in San Antonio on February 15 and New Braunfels on February 16 SAN MARCOS, Texas - There are growing concerns about Central Texans who were possibly exposed to measles, amid an ongoing outbreak in West Texas. This comes after someone who tested positive for the virus spent time at Texas State University in San Marcos, and several other locations nearby, about a week ago. What we know Health officials say an adult from Gaines County who tested positive for the virus was in San Marcos on February 14. "They didn't display symptoms until after their visit and returned home," said Hays County Health Department Manager Matthew Gonzales. The person took a tour of Texas State, visiting several buildings, before stopping at the nearby Twin Peaks Restaurant for dinner. If you were on campus between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on February 14, or at Twin Peaks between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., you may have been exposed. Meanwhile, officials at Texas State say they will be keeping students updated with any new developments. Local perspective "We were all on campus during those times," said Texas State student Damara Ortis, "So we were a tad concerned." Texas State students got an email over the weekend, saying someone with measles visited the San Marcos campus on Valentine's Day. The university said in a statement: "The university is working closely with the Hays County Health Department to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed to the infected individual." "I'm vaccinated, so I'm not that worried. But it's still a little scary," said Texas State sophomore Coco Cunningham. RELATED: Measles: Hays County warns of possible exposure in San Marcos On campus, students say they're already taking precautions. "Just being extra careful about who I'm surrounding myself with now," said Cunningham. "I carry around my hand sanitizer and I put it on at all times," said Ortis. What we know The following day, Saturday, February 15, the infected person went to UT San Antonio, the San Antonio Riverwalk area, and a Live Oak restaurant. People who were at the following locations during the following times may have been exposed: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Louis Tussaud's Waxworks, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and Ripley's Illusion Lab, San Antonio 6 to 10 p.m. – Mr. Crabby's Seafood, Live Oak RELATED:San Antonio warns of possible measles exposure On Sunday, February 16, the infected person was at Buc-ee's in New Braunfels. People who were there between 9 a.m. and noon may have been exposed. "If you're in the same room as the individual, same tour group, same seating area of the restaurant, then we want individuals to be very aware of that," said Gonzales. Why you should care Measles is a highly-infectious respiratory virus that can be spread through the air and on surfaces. Gonzales says people who have not had the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and who were in these locations, should keep an eye out for symptoms. "Runny nose, teary eyes, white dots in the mouth and, of course, the rash that it's most known for," said Gonzales. "Nine out of ten individuals who aren't vaccinated will, if they're exposed to measles, will contract measles." Measles is most severe in young children, and in rare cases can be deadly. "They may suffer from pneumonia, they may suffer from respiratory issues, maybe long persistent blindness," said Gonzales. The measles outbreak in West Texas has now grown to at least 90 cases across seven counties. Officials say the person visiting Central and South-Central Texas from Gaines County was partially vaccinated, but developed a case anyway. "I would highly recommend, if an individual is completely unvaccinated against measles, to go ahead and talk to their provider about getting a measles vaccine," said Gonzales. What you can do If you're an adult who got the MMR vaccine when you were younger, Hays County health officials say you shouldn't need any sort of booster, but they're awaiting further guidance from the CDC on that, and it doesn't hurt to check with your doctor as well. For more information about the possible measles exposure in Hays County, click here. For more information about the Central and South-Central Texas measles exposures in general, click here. For the latest information about the West Texas measles outbreak, click here. The Source Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak and previous coverage
CBS News
24-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Central Texas universities, health departments warn of potential measles exposure after visit from at least one positive West Texas resident
Two Texas universities and their surrounding communities have issued warnings about potential exposure to measles after giving campus tours to at least one person who tested positive for the virus. Experts have been tracking the measles outbreak in Gaines County since late January. The Hays County Health Department said a Gaines County resident visited San Marcos, where Texas State is located, on Feb. 14. That individual has since tested positive for measles. The agency said those who were on the Texas State campus between approximately 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and/or at Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 14 may be at risk of developing measles. The following day, Feb. 15, a Gaines County resident who has since tested positive for measles, toured the University of Texas at San Antonio. The university said the individual visited campus between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. during UTSA Day. City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District said the same Gaines County resident visited Riverwalk attractions including the wax museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Ripley's Illusion Lab between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. before dining at Mr. Crabby's Seafood and Bar in Live Oak between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. UTSA said it is notifying the community and working with the San Antonio Metro Health District to alert anyone who may have come in contact with the individual. The Hays County Health Department said it is working with the Texas Department of State Health Services to identify and contact those who may have been exposed to the virus. "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. "Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection. To minimize the risk of infection and serious illness, individuals should make sure they are vaccinated." UTSA said it believes the individual's "infectious window was likely after their date of visit." People who visited known locations during the specified times should: Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles infection. 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 healthcare 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. The symptoms of measles include: High fever, up to 105°F Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes Sore throat Rash: typically appears 3–5 days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downward The Texas measles outbreak The Texas Department of State Health Services said the outbreak of measles in West Texas as of Sunday was up to 90 cases since late January. Sixteen of the patients have been hospitalized. Five of the patients were vaccinated. The rest are unvaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown. Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak. Some private schools in West Texas have closed due to the virus' highly contagious nature. Most of those infected are school-age.
