AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Officials say they've confirmed a first case of measles in Austin, as an outbreak in West Texas continues to grow.
“The time we’ve been preparing for is here,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson during a Friday afternoon press conference. “We need to do what we need to do to keep it from spreading.”
According to Austin-Travis County health officials, the case involves an unvaccinated infant who recently traveled overseas with family members. No additional exposures are expected, with the rest of the infant's family vaccinated and isolating at home, according to Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes.
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Friday's announcement comes just two days after the first U.S. death due to measles since 2015, involving an unvaccinated child who had been hospitalized in Lubbock.
Measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease can actively linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. If someone breathes contaminated air or touches infected surfaces and then their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected.
According to state health officials, the West Texas outbreak currently stands at 146 cases with 20 hospitalizations, with many of those coming from Gaines County. One of those individuals recently traveled to San Marcos, New Braunfels, and San Antonio, prompting officials to warn of the possibility of exposure.