First case of measles in Travis County since 1999, Austin Public Health confirms
AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Public Health says that a person residing in Travis County has been diagnosed with the measles. It's the first case of measles in Travis County since 1999.
If you've received two MMR vaccinations health officials say you're protected against the measles. If you've received one or no MMR vaccinations than you're at an increased risk of infection.
Below is a list of public places and general times that people in Travis County may have been in close contact with the individual:
December 14 (evening):
- Chipotle Mexican Grill, 6301 W Parmer Lane
December 14 - 16:
- HEB, 6001 W Parmer Lane
December 15:
- Saam Thai, 6301 W Parmer Lane
December 15 - 16
- Mandola’s Italian, 4700 W Guadalupe Street
December 16 (2pm – 4pm):
- Target, 10107 Research Boulevard
- Marco’s Pizza, 11011 Research Boulevard
December 17 (Noon – 4pm):
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 3600 Presidential Boulevard United Airlines, gate 29 area
- United Airlines, gate 29 area
Symptoms of the measles include cough, rash, fever and sore eyes. Health officials are also alerting people to call their doctors immediately if they were in the locations mentioned above in those time frames and come down with a fever before January 1.
Those who are not vaccinated are at high risk of contracting measles from someone who is infected. Health officials are alerting the public that measles is a serious case and that about 25% of people who get infected end up hospitalized.
“Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease. A small number of cases are capable of quickly producing epidemics," said Dr. Mark Escott, interim health authority and medical director for Austin Public Health. "The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is by immunization."
For more information on the measles virus, visit the City of Austin's Website.