Texas measles: 6 folks with signs in Williamson County, DSHS says

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Editor’s be aware: An earlier model of this text said that information confirmed six confirmed measles circumstances in Williamson County. The article has been up to date to replicate clarification offered by the state well being division.

A minimum of six folks in Williamson County have proven measles signs, in keeping with the Texas Division of State Well being Companies (DSHS).

Primarily based on the DSHS information, these six circumstances don’t seem like linked to the widespread measles outbreak in West Texas, which started in late January and is now as much as 738 circumstances as of Could 30.

As of Friday afternoon, the county has solely launched particulars about two confirmed circumstances. In a press release, a county spokesperson stated the Williamson County and Cities Well being District (WCCHD) is just reporting “lab-confirmed constructive measles right now.”

“Different circumstances could also be reported as associated or constructive by DSHS utilizing standards aside from a lab-confirmed take a look at. WCCHD has no different info to share on the 2 constructive lab-confirmed or some other measles circumstances right now,” the spokesperson stated.

DSHS clarified the way it got here up with six circumstances, saying there are 4 individuals who had measles signs “who’re related to the preliminary two circumstances” in Williamson County.

“Due to their signs and their publicity to folks with confirmed measles, we [the DSHS] contemplate them to be circumstances, however … Williamson County is counting folks with a confirmed lab take a look at at this level,” the DSHS spokesperson stated. “Happily, there’s not a priority about public exposures to different folks.”

On Could 22, officers introduced Williamson County’s first measles case of 2025, in a Leander little one who attends Bar W. Elementary College in Liberty Hill. Native well being officers stated they did not know the kid’s vaccination standing as a result of the household selected to not share these particulars.

As a result of the vaccination standing was unclear, well being officers have been restricted of their potential to completely assess potential publicity dangers or the supply of the an infection. Nevertheless, they stated the kid had been contagious since Could 15 and may proceed to be contagious by Could 24.

On Could 27, the county confirmed a second measles case, in an unvaccinated grownup from Leander. Well being officers stated that particular person was not of their infectious interval and that they weren’t current within the Williamson County space whereas they have been contagious.

DSHS information exhibits Hays County with one reported measles case and Travis County with two reported circumstances. None of these circumstances have been linked to the West Texas outbreak.

Dr. Goddy Corpuz with Baylor Scott & White Clinic in Cedar Park informed KVUE they’ve been getting extra calls from folks inquiring about measles and verifying if their kids are vaccinated or not.

Corpuz stated for individuals who have incomplete or lacking immunizations, they encourage households to schedule appointments and obtain the really useful vaccinations together with MMR to guard in opposition to measles.

“We’re anticipating extra circumstances. However, … our focus is on staying alert and ensuring everybody’s protected,” Dr. Corpuz stated. “And, if you have not gotten vaccinated, please get vaccinated.”

Some signs you need to look out for embrace fever, diarrhea, cough, pink eyes and physique aches. These most in danger are people who find themselves immunocompromised. 

“We’re speaking about, the aged, the pregnant ladies and naturally the youthful youngsters, notably the infants, those that are six months and youthful who haven’t acquired, or can not obtain, the vaccine simply but,” Corpuz stated. 

As folks journey this summer season, Dr. Corpuz encourages households to get vaccinated if wanted at the very least two weeks previous to meant journey.