News Summary
The Williamson County and Cities Health District has confirmed a second case of measles in Leander, Texas. The case involves an unvaccinated adult, who is no longer infectious. This follows a previous case involving an unvaccinated child. Local health officials are working with state authorities to notify potential contacts. The outbreak has affected several areas, highlighting the urgency of vaccination to prevent further spread. Community members are advised to remain vigilant for symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary.
Leander, Texas Reports Second Case of Measles
The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has confirmed a second case of measles in Williamson County, Texas, involving an unvaccinated adult resident from Leander. The announcement was made on Tuesday, with health officials stating that the individual is no longer in the infectious period and did not remain in the Williamson County area during the contagious phase.
This second case follows the first measles diagnosis in the county, which was reported on May 22 and involved an unvaccinated child from Leander. Local health authorities are currently collaborating with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to notify people who may have come into contact with affected individuals.
Current Measles Outbreak Information
The measles outbreak has primarily concentrated in West Texas, though there have been other instances reported in nearby areas, including Hays County’s first case this month, and potential exposures in Austin and Fredericksburg noted in late April. As of now, the state has reported a total of 729 measles cases since the outbreak began in January, with fewer than 10 actively infectious cases currently.
The measles virus is known for its high contagiousness, capable of remaining infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person exits a location. To mitigate the spread, the Texas Administrative Code mandates that unimmunized children must be excluded from school or childcare for a minimum of 21 days following last exposure to a confirmed measles case. For families of children attending Bar W Elementary, where the first case was linked, monitoring for symptoms is particularly encouraged through June 14.
Symptoms and Prevention Measures
Common symptoms of measles typically emerge within 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that generally begins on the face and spreads across the body. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to contact their healthcare provider without delay.
Dr. Amanda Norwood, WCCHD Medical Director, has reinforced the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a key tool for ensuring community health, as two doses of the vaccine are effective in providing strong and long-lasting protection against measles. Vaccination not only safeguards those who receive the vaccine but also protects vulnerable populations, including infants, older adults, and individuals who cannot be immunized for medical reasons.
Vaccination Availability
In response to the outbreak, the WCCHD offers low-cost MMR vaccinations aimed at making them accessible to everyone, regardless of insurance coverage. Those interested in checking their eligibility or scheduling a vaccination appointment can contact the health district at 512-943-3600.
In conclusion, the recent cases of measles in Williamson County underline the critical importance of vaccination for individual and community health. As local health officials continue their efforts to contain the outbreak, residents are urged to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical advice if they experience any symptoms indicative of measles.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: Williamson County Second Measles Case
- Wikipedia: Measles
- KXAN: First Measles Case Confirmed in Williamson County
- Google Search: Measles Outbreak Texas 2025
- CBS Austin: Second Measles Case in Leander
- Google Scholar: Measles
- KVUE: Williamson County 2nd Measles Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Statesman: Leander Has Second Measles Case
- Google News: Measles Texas 2025
