When it comes to measles, better safe than sorry

To date, eight cases of measles have been reported in Texas and there have been serious outbreaks in Oregon, Washington and New York. While no confirmed measles cases have been reported in Austin or Travis County in over 10 years, Austin Public Health is monitoring the situation closely and preparing in case measles does spread to Travis County. Measles is a dangerous and highly contagious virus that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. APH’s memo warns that measles “is so contagious that if one person has it, nine out of 10 people of all ages around that person will also become infected if they are not protected.” According to the memo, APH is “ready to address any measles cases that our community may encounter and will keep you updated” in the form of a public website packed with information that will soon be launched.