First measles case in Bexar County confirmed
SAN ANTONIO — Health officials confirmed the first measles case Wednesday in Bexar County.
Metro Health said the case is associated with the March 6 case of measles from Guadalupe County reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The last recorded case of measles in Bexar County was in 2007.
Measles, a highly contagious respiratory illness, is transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes virus particles into the air. The illness usually begins a week or two after a person is exposed to the virus. Symptoms typically involve a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Days later a rash with flat, red shots breaks out on the face and spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body.
Health officials said a person is contagious for about four days after the rash appears. Authorities advise infected people to stay home from work or school during that period.
Metro Health recommends getting immunized with two doses of the vaccine to prevent getting measles. Washing hands and using hand sanitizer frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, can help limit the spread of measles. People with symptoms similar to measles should contact their health care provider before going to the doctor’s office.
