AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Public Health (APH) confirms the first reported case of Measles in Travis County since 2019. The case involves an unvaccinated infant who was exposed to the virus during a vacation overseas.

No exposures are expected to be connected to this case, and the infant’s family members are all vaccinated and are isolating at home.

“As measles has arrived in our community, I’m calling on everyone to make sure they’re protected against this vaccine-preventable disease,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “Leaving yourself unvaccinated means more than just a rash, measles can put you in the hospital and can even lead to death as we’ve seen already in Texas.”

The best way to protect yourself from measles is to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to receive full protection.

The MMR vaccine is offered at doctor’s offices and pharmacies. Children under the age of 14 will require a prescription from a doctor to receive the vaccine at a pharmacy. APH offers the MMR vaccine at our Shots for Tots and Big Shots clinics.

Measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease can actively linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.  If someone breathes contaminated air or touches infected surfaces and then their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected.

If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. 

Symptoms

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:  

• Fever
• Cough
• Rash
• Red, watery eyes 
• Runny Nose
• Small white spots inside the mouth and throat

If you believe you may have been exposed to measles, contact your healthcare provider and remain isolated at home otherwise.

Complications

Measles can cause serious health complications and death, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.

Who is at risk

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk.  

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the United States by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries. These travelers are mostly Americans and sometimes international visitors.  

Young children, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised are more likely to experience complications.

Find the latest information on measles in Austin-Travis County at austintexas.gov/measles.