Measles Exposure Reported in Wall

WALL, TX – A person who tested positive for measles stopped at an Allsup’s convenience store in Wall, potentially exposing others to the virus, according to the San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department.

Health officials said the individual, a resident of Gaines County, visited the store at 9533 Hwy 87 S on Friday, Feb. 14, between 11 a.m. and noon, and again on Sunday, Feb. 16, between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. The person was traveling to and from central Texas.

The measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. As of Feb. 25, no confirmed measles cases have been reported in Tom Green County, but 124 cases have been linked to an outbreak in the South Plains region.

Health officials urge anyone who may have visited the store during the specified times to take precautions, including checking their immunization records, monitoring for symptoms, and contacting a healthcare provider if they are pregnant, have an infant, or have a weakened immune system. Symptoms may appear between four and 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, sore throat, and a rash that starts at the scalp and spreads.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus spread through coughing and sneezing. Officials stress that vaccination remains the best protection, with the measles vaccine providing a 97% efficacy rate.

Anyone with questions can contact the San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department at 325-657-4214.