AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) is actively investigating a second reported case of measles in Travis County in 2025. The case involves a vaccinated adult who may have been exposed to the virus while traveling domestically within the United States. The Travis County resident is currently isolating with mild symptoms.

“Two doses of the vaccine will be 97 percent effective in developing immunity to the virus. While a vaccinated person can still get measles, they are more likely to experience mild symptoms and are less likely to spread it,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “We consider measles to be one of the most contagious viruses we know and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself. For those who are vaccinated, check with your doctor to see if you may need a booster.”

Exposure Locations*: 

• Office Building 300 Colorado, Austin, TX, 78701, Wednesday, April 16, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
• Maaribu (Coffee Shop) 1413 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, Thursday, April 17, 8:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Curra’s (Restaurant) 614 E Oltorf St. Austin, TX 78704 Thursday, April 17,  5:45 – 9:30 p.m.
• Starbucks 1920 E Riverside Dr Austin, TX 7874, Friday, April 18, 10:08 a.m. - 12:08 p.m.
• UPS Store 2407 S Congress Ave STE E, Austin, TX 78704, Saturday, April 19, 1 – 5 p.m.
• 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) 2410 E Riverside Dr Ste. H-8, Austin, TX 78741, Sunday, April 20, 8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• CareNow 1920 E Riverside Dr Suite A110, Austin TX 78741, Sunday, April 20, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

*Note: The above exposure list is based on an initial case investigation. More locations may be added. Please check austintexas.gov/measles for the latest information.

1. If you were at one of the venues on the dates and times listed above and are:  

• Unvaccinated and pregnant; 
• Immunocompromised (receiving treatment that would result in immune system suppression, or have an immune system disease),  

Contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss the possible exposure. If you don’t have a provider, call 512-972-5555 and APH can help connect you to care.

2. Anyone who was at the locations on the dates listed above should monitor themselves for measles symptoms through MAY 11, 2025. Those symptoms include:  

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

3. If you develop symptoms of measles:  

• Stay home and away from others. 
• Contact your healthcare provider for guidance. 
• Call before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent possible exposure to others.

"Beating measles takes all of us buying into vaccinations and getting protected against this vaccine-preventable disease," said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. "Vaccination helps individuals avoid measles and higher vaccination rates lower our chances of a local outbreak, protecting children who aren't yet old enough for the vaccine and those individuals who are immunocompromised. Let's stay healthier together."

“The steps are simple: Get vaccinated if you haven’t already, stay informed, and look out for one another,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. “Data from the CDC highlights just how important high vaccination rates are. When a school’s vaccination rate drops to 90%, the chance of a measles outbreak rises to 51%. A vaccine is our first line of defense and it's up to all of us to keep our community safe against this highly contagious and preventable disease.”

Prevention

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 doctors’ 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 for uninsured and underinsured Austinites at its 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 measles, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. 

Complications

Measles can cause serious health complications and death for all age groups, especially in children younger than 5 years of age and individuals who are not vaccinated. 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. An outbreak of measles has been reported in the following Texas counties: Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Gara, Lamar, Lubbock, Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum. Individuals planning to travel to any of these areas are advised to consult their healthcare provider for vaccination guidance before traveling.

Young children, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised are more likely to experience complications. Immunizing individuals who live with those at higher risk plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable populations from severe illness or death. Find the latest information on measles in Austin-Travis County at austintexas.gov/measles.