Measles Returns: Second Case Confirmed in Travis County, Health Officials Urge Vaccination

Officials from Austin Public Health (APH) reported on Friday that they have initiated an investigation into the matter. second reported measles case in Travis County.

This situation entails a fully vaccinated grown-up potentially having caught the virus during domestic travel within the U.S. The person is presently self-isolating due to experiencing minor signs of illness.

City leaders verify initial measles case in Austin

Dr. Desmar Walkes, who serves as the Austin-Travis County Health Authority, stressed the significance of receiving vaccinations. He stated, “The two-dose regimen of the vaccine shows an efficacy rate of about 97% in building immunity against the virus. Even though a fully vaccinated individual might still contract measles, their symptoms tend to be much milder, and they have a lower chance of transmitting it to others.” Dr. Walkes also noted, "Measles is regarded as one of the most infectious viral diseases known to us, and getting immunized remains the optimal method for safeguarding oneself from infection."

The mayor of Austin, Kirk Watson, emphasized the importance of the community's involvement in fighting against measles.

"Defeating measles requires everyone participating in vaccinations and getting shielded from this preventable illness,” stated Watson. “By vaccinating ourselves, we protect individuals from contracting measles, and increased vaccination levels decrease the likelihood of an outbreak in our area, safeguarding children too young for vaccines and people with compromised immune systems.”

The APH has pinpointed multiple spots in Austin where potential exposures might have taken place, encompassing areas like an office complex, a café, eateries, and various public spaces, largely within the central part of the city. Individuals who were at these sites during the designated periods are advised to watch out for signs such as elevated body temperature, persistent cough, skin eruptions, and bloodshot, teary eyes up until May 11, 2025.

Exposure Locations:

• Office Building 300 Colorado, Austin, Texas, ZIP code 78701, from Wednesday, April 16, 9 AM to 7 PM.
• Mariposa (Café) 1413 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, Thursday, April 17, from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Curra's Restaurant at 614 E Oltorf St., Austin, TX 78704 on Thursday, April 17 from 5:45 PM to 9:30 PM
• Starbucks at 1920 East Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78743, from Friday, April 18, 10:08 a.m. to 12:08 p.m.
• The UPS Store at 2407 S Congress Ave Suite E, Austin, TX 78704 will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19.
• Hestia (Restaurant) 607 W 3rd St #105, Austin, TX 78701, Saturday, April 19, 5:45 – 11 p.m.
• Walgreens 1920 E Riverside Dr Bldg B, Austin, TX 78741, Sunday, April 20, 8:45 – 12 p.m.
• Pueblo Viejo (Restaurant), located at 2410 E Riverside Drive Suite H-8, Austin, Texas 78741, will be open from Sunday, April 20th, 8:45 a.m. until noon.
• CareNow at 1920 East Riverside Drive, Suite A110, Austin, Texas 78741, open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 20.

By April 25, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were at least 646 confirmed cases within the state.