Person with measles in Austin may have exposed thousands

There are fears a person with measles may have exposed thousands at multiple locations in the Austin area. The Austin Public Health Department says the person who tested positive for measles was at several locations; including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, several restaurants and a grocery store. Officials have not released specific details, including the age of the person with the measles.

The health departments in Central Texas are informing people who were at various locations during the specific time frames that they may have been exposed.

Local, state and federal health officials are mounting a coordinated effort to inform people who may have been exposed, saying the locations and dates of concern are:

December 14 (evening):

  • Chipotle Mexican Grill, 6301 W Parmer Lane

December 14 - 16:

  • HEB, 6001 W Parmer Lane

December 15:

  • Saam Thai, 6301 W Parmer Lane

December 15 - 16

  • Mandola’s Italian, 4700 W Guadalupe Street

December 16 (2pm – 4pm):

  • Target, 10107 Research Boulevard
  • Marco’s Pizza, 11011 Research Boulevard

December 17 (Noon – 4pm):

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 3600 Presidential Boulevard
    • United Airlines, gate area

Measles is a virus that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. those who are unvaccinated are at high risk when around someone who has measles.

If you have received two MMR vaccinations, you are protected. If you received one or no MMR vaccinations you are at an increased risk of infection. Symptoms include cough, rash, fever and sore eyes.

Please call your doctor immediately if you have been to these locations during these dates and develop a fever before January 1, 2020. It is important to call and provide your physician with this information before going.

“Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease. A small number of cases are capable of quickly producing epidemics," said Dr. Mark Escott, interim health authority and medical director for Austin Public Health. "The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is by immunization."

Photo: Austin Public Health Department


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