First positive measles case confirmed in Hays County
Natalie Frels • May 20, 2025
SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) was notified that a Kyle resident tested positive for measles by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The individual is considered unvaccinated because they were unable to provide documentation of receiving the measles vaccine. The individual was contagious beginning Thursday May 11, 2025, until May 19, 2025. The individual has received care, and public health officials are working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.
Individuals who were at the places at the times listed below may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this individual. While the individual was not considered infectious during visits to the listed locations before May 11, these locations are being included out of an abundance of caution due to the small possibility of early transmission.
May 10, 2025
8:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Kohls – Sephora
20185 Marketplace Ave, Kyle, TX 78640
May 10, 2025
8:00 AM- 6:00 PM
H-E-B Plus
5401 Farm to Market 1626, Kyle, TX 78640
May 13, 2025
11:47 AM- 2:23 PM
CommuniCare- Kyle Clinic
2810 Dacy Lane, Kyle, TX 78640
May 13, 2025
8:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Texas Department of Public Safety
1400 N IH 35, San Marcos, TX 78666
May 16, 2025
12:50 PM- 5:30 PM
Ascension Seton Hays
6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle, TX 78640
In collaboration with DSHS, individuals who may have been exposed will be notified by their respective local health authority. HCHD, DSHS and other local health agencies are working closely together to investigate the potential contacts.
“Our department has thoroughly prepared for the chance of a positive measles case within the county. We have learned from the many lessons identified from the measles exposure in February of this year,” Gonzales said. “We are working closely with the healthcare providers and businesses exposed to ensure the safety of their patients and customers. The health and safety of our residents is our priority. Our focus will be ensuring those who are exposed are notified and capable of taking the proper precautions for their health and to prevent the further exposure of other individuals.”
HCHD will contact people who are known to have been in contact with the person who later tested positive for measles to provide guidance and conduct case investigations.
Ninety percent of people who are not vaccinated or have not had a previous measles infection will become infected with the virus. If an individual has symptoms, they should contact their primary care provider, an urgent care or an emergency room to set up an appointment and quarantine for four days after the onset of a rash.
People who were in the aforementioned locations during the specified times should:
- Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles infection. People who have not had measles infection or received measles immunization previously may not be protected from the measles virus and should talk with a health care provider about receiving measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization.
- Contact and notify their health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant or have a weakened immune system regardless of vaccination history.
- Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from four days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop).
- If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a health care facility before calling and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms. The health department can assist healthcare providers in appropriately diagnosing and managing your care.
Post-exposure prophylaxis:
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to medical treatment given after someone has been exposed to a contagious disease, in this case measles, with the goal of preventing infection or reducing the severity of illness. PEP is most effective when administered as soon as possible after exposure and can significantly lower the risk of developing the disease. There are two primary forms of PEP for measles: the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine and immune globulin (IG), each appropriate for different situations.
MMR Vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis:
- The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine can provide protection if administered within 72 hours (3 days) of the initial exposure.
- This option is recommended for most healthy individuals aged 6 months and older who have not been fully vaccinated or whose immunity is uncertain.
Immune Globulin (IG)
- IG is a preparation of antibodies that provides temporary protection against measles. It can be administered after exposure to help prevent or lessen the severity of the disease, especially in people who are at higher risk of serious illness.
- Immune globulin (IG) may offer protection when given within 6 days of exposure.
- IG is typically reserved for infants, pregnant individuals without immunity or those who are immunocompromised.
If you think you may have been in close contact with someone who has measles and are unsure of your immunity:
- Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to find out if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is appropriate for you and which type (MMR vaccine or immune globulin) is best based on your age, health status, and vaccination history.
- You can also call the Hays County Health Department at (512) 393-5520 for additional guidance or assistance.
- If you are a resident of Travis County who was exposed, please contact Austin Public Health at (512) 972-5555.
For more information visit: https://www.hayscountytx.gov/current-public-health-situations. The site will continue to be updated as more information is available.
About Measles
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left. The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.
Common symptoms for measles include:
- High fever (as high as 105°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body
Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective. The spread of measles can be prevented if two-dose coverage of vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community. For more information on measles, visit:
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vaccine-preventable-diseases/vaccine-preventable-disease-conditions/measles-rubeola.
Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR and MMRV vaccine. Insured persons should check with their doctor or local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net program (ASN). (See attached list of TVFC providers and qualifications for the TVFC program in Hays County). Individuals who do not qualify for TVFC and who do not have insurance can visit a Federally Qualified Health Center. The FQHC for Hays County is CommuniCare.
About Hays County Health Department
Hays County Health Department is the local health authority for Hays County. The Health Department provides Immunization, Tuberculosis, and Sexually Transmitted Infection services and conducts public health prevention and intervention programming. For more information about the department: www.hayscountytx.gov/health-department
To view the original notice, click here . This Notice is posted according to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551). The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Civil Service Commission will hold a meeting at 10 am on the 20th day of August 2025 , in the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Building, 1 st floor, Media Room located at 810 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666. An Open Meeting will be held concerning the following subjects: 1. Call the meeting to order 2. Roll Call 3. Public Comments 4. Approval of July 16 th regular meeting and August 7 th , 2025 special meeting minutes. 5. Discussion and possible action to vote on the Vice Chair of the Civil Service Commission (Keller) 6. Discussion and possible action for an alternative date for the Promotional appeal hearing date and/or the regular commission meeting date that is scheduled on September 17, 2025. (Cary) 7. Adjournment Executive Sessions The Civil Service Commission will announce that it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. The Civil Service Commission may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. ADA Compliance Hays County encourages compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the conduct of all public meetings. To that end, persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids such as an interpreter for a person who is hearing impaired are requested to contact the Director of the Civil Service Commission at (512) 393-7838 or via e-mail at Sandra.Galvan@hayscountytx.gov as soon as the meeting is posted (72 hours before the meeting) or as soon as practical so that appropriate arrangements can be made. While it would be helpful to receive as much advance notice as possible, Hays County will make every reasonable effort to accommodate any valid request regardless of when it is received. Braille is not available. POSTED: Date: _____________ Time: _____________ By: _____________
Notice - 2025 Road Project Certificates of Obligation
SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 54-year-old Kevin Abeyta, formerly of Austin, Texas, was convicted and sentenced this week by a jury of continuous sexual abuse of a child, six counts of possession of child pornography with intent to promote and 13 counts of possession of child pornography. Hays County District Judge Sherri Tibbe stacked the sentences handed down by the jury, and Abeyta must now serve 71 years in prison. In February of 2021, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Abeyta, a former art teacher at Campbell Elementary School, after an outcry of child sexual abuse. The minor child who outcried was not a student. Cpl. Chase Crow and Sgt. Mike Andrews traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, where Abeyta was then living and teaching as an elementary school art teacher. Several days after Abeyta was interviewed by law enforcement, he gave several hard drives to a friend who subsequently found child sexual abuse material on them. The friend notified authorities, and the hard drives were collected and investigated by Detective Nelson Wray. More than a thousand media files were identified as child sexual abuse material, some including images and videos of the child victim. Abeyta had also been secretly filming at least one young child under her desk at school. Assistant District Attorneys Katie Arnold and Elizabeth Schmidt prosecuted this case. “We’d like to thank the investigators at Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the witnesses who testified in this case, Abeyta’s acquaintance for notifying the police about the incriminating evidence he found and the brave survivor who stood up to her offender,” said Arnold. “Without the bravery of each witness, this man might still be in a classroom putting young children at risk.” Abeyta is not eligible for parole on the first count of continuous sexual abuse.
To view the original notice, click here . Hays County Elections has called the County Election Board meeting for the November 4, 2025 General Election. The meeting details are as follows: Location: Hays County Elections Office 120 Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Time: 10:00 a.m. Per § 51.002 of the Texas Election Code, a County Election Board is established in each county for the general election for state and county officers, a special election for an officer regularly elected at the general election, and any other elections ordered by a county authority or held at county expense. For the general election for state and county officers and for a special election for an officer regularly elected at the general election, the county election board consists of the County Judge, Elections Administrator (Chair), Sheriff, Democratic Party County Chair, and Republican Party County Chair. Board Tasks · Consolidation of voting locations in special elections · Procuring and allocating supplies (§ 51.003) · Appointment of Early Voting Ballot Board (§ 87.002) · Receiving notification of logic and accuracy testing (§ 129.023) · Sheriff’s duties Members of other parties represented on the ballot may submit names for the Early Voting Ballot Board.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — More than 1,000 members of the Hays County community turned out to support the Health Department (HCHD), which hosted its 3 rd Annual Back-to-School Fair on Aug. 2, 2025, at the Election Center, located at 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. “Over the years, attendance at the fair has grown significantly, from 150 to 450, and now more than 1,000 attendees. This overwhelming response highlights a strong and growing need for the services and resources we offer,” said Hays County Health Department Director Matthew Gonzales. “The participation of numerous vendors and donors reflects the commitment of organizations within our community to step up and meet these needs. We’re excited to continue improving and innovating how we deliver this fair, and the vital support it provides, to better serve our community.” Families were able to access free services, including vaccinations, hearing and vision screenings, birth certificates, and haircuts. On top of those services, the fair also hosted fun activities for the public. The county and its partners distributed the following at last weekend’s fair: · 300 backpacks with school supplies · 250 lunch bags · More than 200 books · 36 haircuts · Vaccinations for 50 children · 362 boxes of diapers · 110 booster seats · 15 hearing screenings · 500 paletas · 400 hot dogs The event would not have been possible without the county’s community sponsors, including Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen, who said, “It was an honor to be part of the 3 rd Annual Back-to-School Fair. I’m proud to support events like this that bring our community together and provide real help to Hays County families. From the dedicated volunteers to the incredible services offered, it was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together.” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra added, “Thanks to the hard work of our county Health Department, this year’s Back-to-School Fair was more than just a success — it was a reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together to put our kids and community first. From free health screenings to school supplies, every detail reflected a deep commitment to the well-being and future of our children.” The health department clinic is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. On Mondays, the clinic operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, call the Health Department at 512-393-5520. For more information on the Back-To-School Fair and future events, visit the Hays County Health Department’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HaysCountyLocalHealthDepartment/ or contact Community Outreach Specialist Kate Esqueda at Kate.Esqueda@hayscountytx.gov .
This Notice is posted according to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551). The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Civil Service Commission will hold a meeting at 1:00 pm on the 7 th day of August 2025 , in the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Building, 1 st floor, Media Room located at 810 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666. An Open Meeting will be held concerning the following subjects: 1. Call the meeting to order 2. Roll Call 3. Discussion and possible action of suggested edits to the recommended changes of Civil Service Rule 8.03 and subsections Review and appeal of Promotional Examination. (Keller) 4. Adjournment Executive Sessions The Civil Service Commission will announce that it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. The Civil Service Commission may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. ADA Compliance Hays County encourages compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the conduct of all public meetings. To that end, persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids such as an interpreter for a person who is hearing impaired are requested to contact the Director of the Civil Service Commission at (512) 393-7838 or via e-mail at Sandra.Galvan@hayscountytx.gov as soon as the meeting is posted (72 hours before the meeting) or as soon as practical so that appropriate arrangements can be made. While it would be helpful to receive as much advance notice as possible, Hays County will make every reasonable effort to accommodate any valid request regardless of when it is received. Braille is not available. POSTED: Date: _____________ Time: _____________ By: _____________
SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received notification on July 29, 2025, that there was a laboratory confirmed, positive human case of West Nile Virus. This is the first reported human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the 2025 Mosquito Season in Hays County. Due to privacy and confidentiality reasons, HCHD will not disclose any information about the patient. While 80% of people will not experience symptoms of an infection, only 20% of people may experience some symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body and swollen lymph nodes. While the risk for severe symptoms is low, individuals aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention. Currently, there is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, but over the counter medicine can help reduce symptoms and supportive care can be provided in a hospital setting to those experiencing more severe symptoms. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for three to six days but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. WNV is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe WNV infections can cause neurological complications such as encephalitis and/or meningitis. Hays County Epidemiologist Ian Harris wants to remind residents that “West Nile Virus is not contagious and that humans are ‘dead-end host,’ meaning humans are not capable of transmitting the virus to other individuals.” The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has not confirmed a positive mosquito pool in Hays County during the 2025 Mosquito Season. The county reported positive mosquito pools for WNV in Hays County during the 2024 Mosquito Season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 3,314 positive mosquito pools in 2024 for West Nile Virus. As of July 29, 2025, DSHS has reported 272 positive mosquito pools for West Nile Virus. The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. Public health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. HCHD reminds residents to remember the 3 Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain. DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents with the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents, and always follow label instructions. DRESS: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside. DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Hays County Development Services is providing mosquito surveillance within the county to monitor and track mosquito-borne illnesses. Some mosquitoes can transfer potentially deadly diseases – known as arboviral diseases – to humans. HCDS is collecting mosquitoes to determine which areas are harboring disease-carrying mosquitoes. HCDS will set up collection traps across the county on a rotating basis to capture samples of several species of mosquitoes that will be sent to the Department of State Health Services in Austin for identification and determination of the type(s) of illness the mosquitoes could be spreading. Monitoring species, mosquito density and geographic breeding sites will provide critical early predictive data to HCDS to help monitor, prevent and combat mosquito populations and mosquito-borne illnesses. HCDS uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gravid-trapping method to collect mosquitoes. This trap is designed to attract female mosquitoes which are ready to lay eggs. The trap uses a fan to draw in mosquitoes that approach the liquid in the bottom of the bucket and keeps them in a collection bag until the trap is collected. HCDS also uses the BG-Sentinel trap. This trap targets other mosquito species that are vectors of other arboviruses. Collection is typically carried out from May until November throughout Texas. Hays County Development Services and the Hays County Health Department will continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance to promote the health and safety of our residents. For more information regarding mosquito abatement, contact Hays County Development Services at 512-393-2150. Resident can view Mosquito Tracking Locations via the Hays County Development Services GIS Dashboard at https://bit.ly/HaysCountyMosquitoTrackingLocations. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org. # # #
To view the original notice, click here . The County of Hays received a Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture for a Water Improvements Project, Contract #CVD21-0346. A public hearing has been called for 5:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30 th , 2025, at the Hays County Health Department in the Jacob’s Well Conference Room, 101 Thermon Dr., San Marcos, Texas, 78666 to review the program performance of the activities completed under this grant which will include an explanation of the actual use of the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program funds and invite comments. For further information or assistance contact Simone Corprew at (512)749-1161. Para mas informacion en espanol, comuniquese con Julissa Rivera al (512)393-5540. El Condado de Hays recibió una subvención del Programa de Subvención en Bloque de Desarrollo Comunitario de Texas (TxCDBG) del Departamento de Agricultura de Texas para un Proyecto de Mejoras de Agua, Contrato #CVD21-0346. Se ha convocado una audiencia pública para las 5:05 p.m. del miércoles 30 de julio de 2025 en el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Hays en la Sala de Conferencias Jacob's Well, 101 Thermon Dr., San Marcos, Texas, 78666 para revisar el de sempeño del programa de las actividades completadas bajo esta subvención que incluirá una explicación del uso real del Programa de Subvención en Bloque de Desarrollo de la Comunidad de Texas e invitará a comentarios.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Office of Emergency Services will conduct a coordinated test of both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m. CST across the entire county. This test is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that public warning systems are fully operational and capable of quickly delivering critical information to the public in the event of an emergency. About the Alert Systems: · The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning tool that allows federal, state, and local authorities to interrupt radio, television, and cable broadcasts with important emergency information. · The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system allows authorized agencies to send short emergency messages directly to cell phones in targeted geographic areas. These alerts appear on devices similar to a text message, accompanied by a distinct tone and vibration. What to Expect During the Test: · At approximately 3:30 p.m. CST, a test message will be broadcast via radio, television and cable outlets through the EAS. · Simultaneously, a WEA test message will be sent to compatible mobile phones in the County. · The messages will clearly state that they are part of a test, and no action is required from the public. “Emergency alerts save lives. By testing both WEA and EAS together, we ensure that our alerting systems are reliable, effective and ready for use when the public needs them most,” said Mike Jones, Director of Hays County Office of Emergency Services. These tests are essential for verifying that both systems function properly across different platforms and networks, and that the public is aware of what an official alert will look and sound like. The public should use this time to review their emergency plans. Media outlets are encouraged to help inform the public in advance of the test to avoid confusion. We appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we work to enhance our emergency communication capabilities. For more information about this test or alert system, please visit www.haysinformed.com/eas.
To read the stamped notice, click here . This Notice is posted according to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551). The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Civil Service Commission will hold a meeting at 10 am on the 16 th day of July 2025 , in the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Building, 1 st floor, Media Room located at 810 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666. An Open Meeting will be held concerning the following subjects: 1. Call the meeting to order 2. Roll Call 3. Public Comments, if any 4. Approval of June 26, 2025, minutes 5. Discussion and possible action of the Promotional appeals and exam process (Williams) 6. Discussion and possible action regarding the proposed parliamentary procedures process for adding an agenda item. (Keller) 7. Adjournment Executive Sessions The Civil Service Commission will announce that it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. The Civil Service Commission may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. ADA Compliance Hays County encourages compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the conduct of all public meetings. To that end, persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids such as an interpreter for a person who is hearing impaired are requested to contact the Director of the Civil Service Commission at (512) 393-7838 or via e-mail at Sandra.Galvan@hayscountytx.gov as soon as the meeting is posted (72 hours before the meeting) or as soon as practical so that appropriate arrangements can be made. While it would be helpful to receive as much advance notice as possible, Hays County will make every reasonable effort to accommodate any valid request regardless of when it is received. Braille is not available. POSTED: Date: _____________ Time: _____________ By: _____________
