News Summary
A recent measles outbreak linked to a visitor on the UTSA campus has raised alarms within the university community. Health officials report a rising number of cases in West Texas, with concerns growing especially in under-vaccinated populations. The individual potentially exposed students while visiting various locations, and public health advisors are urging individuals who may have come into contact to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
Measles Outbreak Poses Risk to UTSA Community Amid Rising Cases in West Texas
San Antonio, Texas – A recent measles outbreak has sent ripples through the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) community after a resident from Gaines County, West Texas, potentially exposed numerous students and local residents during a visit to the campus on February 15. This situation is coming at a time when cases of measles are on the rise in the region, alarming public health officials.
What Happened?
The individual who tested positive for measles was actively visiting various locations in San Antonio, including UTSA’s main campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following their time at the university, the person continued their journey, stopping by popular attractions like the Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, as well as Ripley’s Illusion Lab near the Alamo from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. To cap off their day, they enjoyed a meal at Mr. Crabby’s Seafood and Bar in Live Oak from 6 to 8 p.m.
But that’s not all – the same person had been in San Marcos just a day prior on February 14, where they visited several Texas State University buildings and spent time at the sports bar Twin Peaks from 3 to 8 p.m. The chain of exposure didn’t stop there. On February 16, this individual also stopped at Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels between 9 a.m. and noon.
Understanding Measles
So, what should you watch out for? Common symptoms of measles include a fever that can soar as high as 105°F, coughing, a runny nose, red watery eyes, and a signature rash that typically appears 3-5 days after initial symptoms show up. If you’re unvaccinated and happen to be exposed to the virus, there’s a staggering 90% chance you could contract measles!
With Texas in the grips of a sizeable measles outbreak, there are now 124 confirmed cases across the state, mostly affecting children aged 5 to 17. Alarmingly, this has been named the largest outbreak Texas has seen since the 1990s. The outbreak has already led to hospitalizations, including one heartbreakingly unvaccinated school-aged child from Lubbock, who tragically lost their life — marking the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. In total, sixteen individuals have been hospitalized, impacting even some who were vaccinated.
Community Concerns
The core of this outbreak is largely centered in a close-knit, under-vaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County, which has reported 57 cases alone. Local health authorities are actively working to keep everyone informed, reaching out to those who may have crossed paths with the infected person.
Public health advocates highly recommend that anyone who visited these locations take a moment to review their vaccination records. They should be vigilant and monitor for symptoms from four to 21 days following potential exposure.
Taking Action
Considering the risks associated with measles, which can stay airborne for up to two hours, health professionals are on high alert. The measles vaccine boasts an impressive 97% effectiveness when given in two doses. However, vaccination rates are declining, which only amplifies these health risks. In light of the ongoing outbreak, vaccination clinics have opened in Lubbock to help boost immunization rates and protect the community.
As experts continue to monitor the situation, the hope is to prevent further increases in cases and ensure the safety of everyone, especially the vulnerable populations. Let’s stay informed and proactive to keep our community safe!
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Additional Resources
- CNN: Texas Measles Death
- New York Times: Texas Measles Outbreak Death
- AP News: Measles Outbreak in West Texas
- Reuters: First US Measles Death Reported
- ABC News: 1st Measles Death Linked to Outbreak
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Google Search: Measles Outbreak Texas
- Google Scholar: Measles Outbreak
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Google News: Texas Measles Outbreak
