New measles exposure in Austin: Officials warn residents after El Paso resident's visit

AUSTIN (KXAN) — An El Paso resident's two-day visit to Austin has prompted a warning from city public health officials, after the person was confirmed to have measles.

The person was in Austin from April 25 through April 27. Austin officials said El Paso's Department of Public Health has gathered "limited details about the individual's visit to Austin."

However, the individual may have exposed the public at Terry Black's Barbecue on Barton Springs Road on Saturday, April 26, between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Additional locations may be identified as the case investigation continues. The city said updates will be posted at austintexas.gov/measles.

Austin health officials said in a media release that this case "underscores the importance of community-wide vaccination and awareness."

Anyone who visited Terry Black’s Barbecue on Saturday, April 26, during the listed times should take the following steps, according to city health officials:

• Monitor for symptoms of measles until May 17. Those include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, rash that spreads from the face, white spots inside the mouth.
• If symptoms develop, stay home and avoid contact with others.
• Call a health care provider before visiting a clinic or hospital, to limit exposure to others.
• Call 512-972-5555 if you need additional assistance.

Austin Public Health said anyone unvaccinated, pregnant or immunocompromised should contact a doctor immediately because they may be eligible for preventive treatment.

In February, Austin reported its first measles case since 2019. Officials said at the time they believed the unvaccinated infant was exposed to the disease while traveling overseas.

The state has 702 confirmed cases as of May 6, with most of those coming from an outbreak in West Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.