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Second measles case reported locally, Austin Public Health says
By Olivia Aldridge
April 25, 2025 at 5:01 PM CDT
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This story was updated following a news conference Monday.
A Travis County adult is isolating after testing positive for measles, Austin Public Health officials announced Friday. It is the second confirmed local case of the virus this year.
APH representatives said the sick individual may have been exposed to the virus while traveling in the United States.
"The patient visited a state outside of Texas that is experiencing a rise in measles cases," APH spokesperson William Malm said.
At a news conference Monday, Austin-Travis County health authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is assisting with contact tracing related to the resident's travel, which included flying.
The individual was reportedly vaccinated against measles, a highly contagious disease that can have severe complications. Typically, two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine offer 97% protection against the measles virus, according to the CDC.
“While a vaccinated person can still get measles, they are more likely to experience mild symptoms and are less likely to spread it,” Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority, said in a statement last week. “We consider measles to be one of the most contagious viruses we know and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself.”
Walkes said people who are vaccinated should check with their doctors to see if they should get a booster dose — particularly if they are immune compromised.
APH shared locations where the sick person may have exposed others. Those include:
While APH will continue contact-tracing efforts and host vaccination clinics for low-income and uninsured residents, APH director Adrienne Sturrup said recent federal funding cuts have impacted the agency's ability to respond to infectious threats, including its mobile outreach team.
"As we see a decrease in federal funding, it will mean that our capacity here will decrease, but we are committed to mobilizing all of the resources that we have at our disposal," she said Monday.
In late February, APH announced a measles case in an unvaccinated infant, who contracted the virus while traveling internationally with family. No additional exposures were announced following that case.
Meanwhile, a measles outbreak is ongoing in West Texas, where more than 600 people have tested positive this year. Sixty-four of those individuals have been hospitalized. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the vast majority of those cases involve people who were not vaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.
This story was updated following a news conference Monday.
A Travis County adult is isolating after testing positive for measles, Austin Public Health officials announced Friday. It is the second confirmed local case of the virus this year.
APH representatives said the sick individual may have been exposed to the virus while traveling in the United States.
"The patient visited a state outside of Texas that is experiencing a rise in measles cases," APH spokesperson William Malm said.
At a news conference Monday, Austin-Travis County health authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is assisting with contact tracing related to the resident's travel, which included flying.
The individual was reportedly vaccinated against measles, a highly contagious disease that can have severe complications. Typically, two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine offer 97% protection against the measles virus, according to the CDC.
“While a vaccinated person can still get measles, they are more likely to experience mild symptoms and are less likely to spread it,” Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority, said in a statement last week. “We consider measles to be one of the most contagious viruses we know and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself.”
Walkes said people who are vaccinated should check with their doctors to see if they should get a booster dose — particularly if they are immune compromised.
APH shared locations where the sick person may have exposed others. Those include:
- Office building at 300 Colorado St., Wednesday, April 16
- Maaribu Coffee Shop, 1413 S. First St., Thursday, April 17, 8:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Curra’s Restaurant, 614 E. Oltorf St., Thursday, April 17, 5:45 – 9:30 p.m.
- Starbucks 1920 E. Riverside Drive, Friday, April 18, 10:08 a.m. - 12:08 p.m.
- UPS Store 2407 S, Congress Ave., Suite E, Saturday, April 19, 1 – 5 p.m.
- Hestia (restaurant), 607 W. Third St., #105, Saturday, April 19, 5:45 – 11 p.m.
- Walgreens, 1920 E. Riverside Drive, Bldg. B, Sunday, April 20, 8:45 – 12 p.m.
- Pueblo Viejo Restaurant, 2410 E. Riverside Drive, Suite H-8, Sunday, April 20, 8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- CareNow, 1920 E. Riverside Drive, Suite A110, Sunday, April 20, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
While APH will continue contact-tracing efforts and host vaccination clinics for low-income and uninsured residents, APH director Adrienne Sturrup said recent federal funding cuts have impacted the agency's ability to respond to infectious threats, including its mobile outreach team.
"As we see a decrease in federal funding, it will mean that our capacity here will decrease, but we are committed to mobilizing all of the resources that we have at our disposal," she said Monday.
In late February, APH announced a measles case in an unvaccinated infant, who contracted the virus while traveling internationally with family. No additional exposures were announced following that case.
Meanwhile, a measles outbreak is ongoing in West Texas, where more than 600 people have tested positive this year. Sixty-four of those individuals have been hospitalized. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the vast majority of those cases involve people who were not vaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.