Measles outbreaks have been reported in Texas. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, which can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not vaccinated. Measles can be prevented with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

For the latest updates on measles outbreaks in Texas, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Symptoms

<br>Early Symptoms (7-14 days post-infection):

• Moderate fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Sore throat

Later Symptoms (2-5 days after symptoms begin):

• Blue-white spots inside the mouth (Koplik Spots usually appear within 2-3 days after symptoms begin)
• Red-brown rash that starts at the hairline and spreads down the body
• High fever (can exceed 104°F)

How Measles Spreads

• Through the air: Measles is an airborne virus that spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• On surfaces: The virus can survive in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
• By touch: You can become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Who Is at Risk

Measles can be serious for all age groups. However, there are several groups that are more likely to experience severe complications from measles.

Individuals that are at higher risk include:

• Children younger than 5 years of age
• Adults older than 20 years of age
• Pregnant women (although the risk is much lower for vaccinated pregnant women than those who are unvaccinated)
• People with weakened immune systems due to underlying conditions, such as leukemia or HIV, or immunosuppressive medications.

Special Guidance for Immunocompromised Patients

If you are immunocompromised or pregnant, you cannot receive the MMR vaccine because it is a live vaccine. People with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe complications if infected with measles.

To protect yourself, we recommend:

• Avoiding crowded areas or places where measles has been reported.
• Notifying your doctor immediately if you think you may have been exposed to measles, as you may qualify for post-exposure prophylaxis with immune globulins. Talk to your care team about vaccination and what your risks are given your level of immune suppression.
• Talking to family members, caregivers and other close contacts about protecting you by ensuring they are up to date on their vaccinations against measles and other communicable diseases. Close contacts who have not received a measles vaccination, and have no contraindications to receiving it, should do so as soon as possible.

Additional Information

• Protecting Your Loved Ones from a Measles Outbreak

• If you believe you have symptoms of measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, please call our office before coming in.
• If you are already at our facility, put on a mask immediately and inform the front desk. Avoid common areas, as the virus is highly contagious.
• Practice good cough etiquette by covering your cough or wearing a mask
• If you have been exposed to measles, avoid contact with unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours. If you may have been exposed, we recommend practicing good cough etiquette by covering your cough or wearing a mask. If you visit our office, we ask that you put on a mask immediately.

The best protection against measles is receiving 2 doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Vaccines are available through your local pharmacy or the H-E-B Pharmacy located on the 1st floor of the Health Transformation Building. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-512-320-9998.

If you’re unsure whether you or your child has received the MMR vaccine, please speak with your doctor.

Resources:

• Measles Vaccine FAQ (Texas Department of State Health Services)
• Measles Vaccine Recommendations (English and Spanish)

Stay Healthy This Season

If you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms of respiratory illness or you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider before visiting urgent care or the ER.

Symptoms of respiratory illnesses may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore Throat
• New loss of taste or smell

When to Seek Medical Attention

<br>If you experience any of the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to wake
• Bluish lips or face

Please note: This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your healthcare provider about any other severe or concerning symptoms.

In the event of a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 and inform the operator that you have, or suspect you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering or surgical mask before help arrives.

Additional Information

• 7 Tips to Protect Your Health During Holiday Air Travel
• COVID-19 and Flu Season
• Preparing for RSV Season
• Protecting Your Health With Seasonal Vaccines
• Understanding Immunity

In accordance with public health guidance, we have implemented important changes to our clinic operations to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.

For in-person appointments, we kindly request that patients who are coughing or sneezing wear a mask in the Health Transformation Building. This measure is particularly important as we care for vulnerable and immunocompromised patients who are at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses and require additional protection.

For infection control, we have always requested that individuals exhibiting a rash, fever, or symptoms of a respiratory infection wear a face mask. If you do not have a face mask, we will provide one for you.

COVID-19 and flu testing are available through UT Health Austin’s Walk-In Clinic. RSV testing is generally not recommended for mild symptoms. Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine whether testing is necessary for you.

For information on COVID-19 testing in the city of Austin, please visit here.

Face masks are available at UT Health Austin.

To protect yourself, vulnerable patients, and our community, we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE masking at UT Health Austin, especially:

• In shared spaces, such as elevators and waiting areas
• For those who have symptoms of a respiratory illness (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, etc.)

Thank you for helping us care for our patients as we care for you.

We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. Vaccinations are available through the H-E-B Pharmacy located on the 1st floor of the Health Transformation Building. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-512-320-9998.

For additional vaccination locations, please visit the Austin Public Health website and Vaccine Finder.

Depending on your medical history, your healthcare provider may recommend antiviral medications for treatment.

UT Health Austin’s Post-COVID-19 Program provides a broad spectrum of care for individuals who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and continue to experience various physical, cognitive, and functional difficulties several months after initial diagnosis. Our goal is to help you recover from the lasting effects of COVID-19 through rehabilitation and other therapies designed to restore your function and quality of life.

For more information, please visit here.