By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A Gaines County resident with measles visited San Marcos on February 14, 2025, potentially exposing individuals at Texas State University (3–7 p.m.) and Twin Peaks Restaurant (6–10 p.m.). This exposure is part of a larger Texas measles outbreak, with 90 cases reported since late January. Health officials urge vaccination to prevent infection, noting measles is highly contagious and airborne. Those potentially exposed should monitor for symptoms and contact healthcare providers if necessary.
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Hays County has issued a warning regarding a possible measles exposure in San Marcos, Texas, a college town of 70,000 within a larger metropolitan area of 2.5 million. The timing of the potential exposure – Valentine’s Day – only adds to the complexity of the situation, particularly given the large student population and the resulting potential for widespread transmission. This underscores the serious public health implications of measles outbreaks, especially in densely populated areas.
The situation highlights the critical importance of vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is highly effective, with a two-dose course offering approximately 97% protection against measles. Even a single dose provides 93% effectiveness, significantly reducing the risk of contracting the disease. For adults who lack presumed immunity and have a high likelihood of exposure, the CDC recommends getting two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
It’s crucial to dispel the dangerous misconception that measles is merely “just a rash.” Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe illness. A significant portion of those infected – roughly one in five – require hospitalization. The disease can lead to serious complications, including ear infections (potentially causing hearing loss), diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis, and the life-threatening subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. This latter complication can result in fatal neurological degeneration years after the initial infection. The virus’s impact extends beyond immediate symptoms; measles can also cause “immune amnesia,” essentially wiping out the immune system’s memory cells and leaving individuals vulnerable to a wider range of illnesses.
The potential exposure sites identified include Texas State University, a campus with approximately 40,000 students, many of whom travel back and forth to surrounding metropolitan areas such as Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and the DFW area on weekends. Another location was Twin Peaks Restaurant, which adds another layer of concern given the potential for close contact and spread in such a setting. The reported exposure times at the university were from 3 to 7 p.m., while the exposure period at the restaurant was from 6 to 10 p.m. Public health officials have added a two-hour buffer to these times, acknowledging the virus’s ability to remain airborne for extended periods after an infected person leaves a location. This highlights the risk of continued spread.
This situation sadly exemplifies the consequences of insufficient vaccination rates. Before widespread vaccination programs, measles was responsible for a substantial portion of childhood hearing loss and blindness. Even today, in some developing countries, measles remains a leading cause of these disabilities. Beyond sensory deficits, the disease can also lead to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. The virus’s ability to cause “immune amnesia” further amplifies its danger by compromising the body’s overall immunity. This underscores the risk not only to unvaccinated individuals but also to vaccinated individuals who might experience a weakened immune response.
The risk is heightened by the fact that vaccines are not 100% effective. A fully vaccinated child can still contract measles if exposed to the virus from an unvaccinated person. This reinforces the responsibility of the community to maintain high vaccination rates to protect those who may be vulnerable, even with vaccination. Getting an antibody blood test (Measles Virus Ab IgG) can offer some reassurance of immunity, but vaccination remains the most effective and reliable method of protection.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of childhood vaccinations and the devastating impact of preventable diseases on individuals and communities. The potential for widespread measles infections, especially given the significant student population at Texas State University and their movement to surrounding areas, necessitates immediate attention and reinforces the need for continued public health efforts to promote vaccination and prevent future outbreaks. The potential long-term health consequences, including hearing loss, blindness, and brain damage, underscore the severe risks associated with this preventable disease. The situation calls for proactive measures to ensure individuals receive the appropriate vaccinations and take necessary precautions to minimize the spread of measles.