Health authorities have warned of another potential measles exposure in the city, separate from a previous case reported in April.
Austin Public Health (APH) was notified about an El Paso resident who visited Austin from April 25 to 27 while infectious with measles. Limited details were gathered about the visit, according to a Public Health warning.
The individual was confirmed to have visited Terry Black's Barbecue on Barton Springs Road between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Another location, Café No Sé at the South Congress Hotel, was also identified as a potential exposure site on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a news release confirmed.
Anyone who was at these locations during the identified times should monitor for symptoms of measles through May 17. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, a rash typically starting on the face, and small white spots inside the mouth.
If symptoms appear, individuals should stay home to avoid contact with others. They should call their health care provider before seeking in-person medical attention. Those without a provider can call 512-972-5555 for help.
Individuals who develop symptoms and are unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised should contact a doctor immediately. They may be eligible for preventative treatment following exposure to the highly infectious disease.
This new potential exposure follows an earlier health alert regarding a Travis County resident who was infectious while visiting multiple sites in April. That case involved a vaccinated resident who had recently traveled within the U.S.
Locations associated with the previous case included an office building at 300 Colorado St. (April 16), Maaribu Coffee (April 17), Curra’s Grill (April 17), Starbucks (April 18), UPS Store (April 19), Hestia (April 19), Walgreens (April 20), Pueblo Viejo (April 20), and CareNow (April 20). Monitoring for that earlier exposure is recommended through Sunday, May 11. A local news report covered both incidents.
APH officials recommend vaccination as defense against measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer protection in about 97% of people. Updates are available on the APH website.