San Antonio's Community Health Committee convened on February 28, 2025, to address a growing measles outbreak linked to recent exposures in the area. Dr. Jacob, the committee chair, opened the meeting by thanking the health department team for their swift response to the situation, which has raised significant public health concerns.

Dr. Anita Kurian, Deputy Director of Metro Health, presented a detailed report on the outbreak, which originated from a resident of Gaines County who tested positive for measles after visiting several locations in San Antonio during the Valentine's Day weekend. The infectious individual visited high-traffic areas, including the UTSA campus and popular attractions, potentially exposing thousands of residents and visitors to the virus.

The timeline of events revealed that the individual was infectious from February 15 to February 24, prompting immediate public health actions. Dr. Kurian emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles, noting that 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with the virus are likely to contract it. The health department has initiated extensive surveillance and contact investigations to identify and notify those who may have been exposed.

In response to the outbreak, Metro Health has ramped up vaccination efforts, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates. The current MMR vaccination coverage among kindergartners in Bexar County has dipped slightly below the desired 95%, raising alarms about potential vulnerabilities in the community. The health department is collaborating with local schools and childcare facilities to disseminate information and ensure that infection control measures are in place.

Dr. Kurian reported that the department has already conducted outreach to schools, including pre-K programs, to provide guidance on managing potential exposures. The committee discussed the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and the need for ongoing public education about the risks associated with measles.

As the situation evolves, Metro Health is prepared to host vaccination events and has established a robust communication strategy to keep the community informed. The committee underscored the critical role of public health infrastructure in managing outbreaks and protecting community health.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the situation closely and to provide timely updates to the public as new information becomes available. The proactive measures taken by Metro Health reflect a strong commitment to safeguarding the health of San Antonio residents amidst rising concerns about vaccine-preventable diseases.