Lubbock Resident Here Had Measles, Officials Say

The San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department was notified that a Lubbock resident who later tested positive for measles visited several locations in San Angelo during their infectious period between March 22-23, according to a news release from the City on Friday afternoon.

Potential exposure locations include:

Saturday, March 22

• 2-3:30 p.m. – Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens (funeral)
• 4-5:30 p.m. – Golden Corral
• 5:30 p.m. – Microtel Inn & Suites check in

Sunday, March 23

• 9 a.m. – Microtel Inn & Suites check out
• 10-noon – The Church of God of The Firstborn church, 201 W Ave V (Iglesia de Fe)
• 1-1:20 p.m. – HEB, 3301 Sherwood Way
• 7:30-9 p.m. – The Church of God of The Firstborn church, 201 W Ave V

According to the bulletin, the measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

As of March 28, there have been zero confirmed measles cases in Tom Green County, and 400 confirmed cases associated with the outbreak in the South Plains region.

People who think they may have visited these locations during those dates and approximate times should:

• Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles infection.
• Contact and notify their healthcare provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant or have a weakened immune system regardless of vaccination history.
• Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from four days to 21 days after their exposure (the time when symptoms may develop).
• If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a healthcare facility before calling and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing and individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection. To minimize the risk of infection and serious illness, individuals should make sure they are vaccinated to include documented evidence of administration of two doses of live measles vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity.  The vaccine has a 97% efficacy rate to protect against the measles virus.  

Symptoms of measles include:

• High fever up to 105°F
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Sore throat 
• Rash that typically appears 3-5 days after initial symptoms, starting at the hairline/scalp and progresses down the body and extremities.

Please contact the Health Department at 325-657-4214 with any questions or concerns.