Metro Health previews National Public Health Week, says no confirmed measles cases in San Antonio

Dr. Claude Jacob, representing Metro Health, briefed the San Antonio Community Health Committee on March 24 about a statewide measles surge and the department’s outreach for National Public Health Week.

Jacob said the department is tracking a broader outbreak in Texas while stressing the local picture: “It’s important to share that … there are no confirmed cases of measles in the city of San Antonio and the Greater Bexar County.” He told the committee the department launched a vaccine campaign on Jan. 1 and has been using clinics, advertisements and community engagement to promote vaccination.

Why it matters: Texas has reported a rise in measles this year and health officials in San Antonio said they are working with state partners to prevent local spread. Committee members pressed Metro Health on follow-up and outreach plans and on whether the department is collecting contact information at events for later follow-up.

In his briefing, Jacob placed the local work in broader context, noting that last year the United States had 285 measles cases and that this year “we have eclipsed the total number of reported cases,” with cases across multiple Texas counties. He also noted tuberculosis figures from 2022: “there were over a thousand cases diagnosed in Texas in 2022, of which we identified 62 cases here in Bexar County,” citing Texas Department of State Health Services data.

Jacob described the department’s communications activity after a possible exposure in February: a February press release prompted extensive local media coverage and Metro Health “pivoted … to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and aims to increase parent guardian confidence in vaccine decisions.” He told the committee the department’s social posts and ads reached large audiences and that Metro Health is coordinating with the Texas Department of State Health Services and local partners.

The presentation also previewed National Public Health Week activities (April 7–13) organized locally to align with the American Public Health Association’s theme. Jacob said Metro Health will run a citywide digital campaign, distribute flyers and digital banners, provide social media toolkits for partners, and invite local media. He announced the department’s Public Health Fest will be held Thursday, April 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rosedale Park and will include free produce giveaways, family activities, community partner resource tables and giveaway Fiesta medals while supplies last.

Committee members and staff asked logistical questions. Chair Castillo and others asked whether event organizers collect participant contact information for follow-up; Jacob said the event is primarily an outreach and engagement event and that he would “double check what other information we collect.” Council members also asked Metro Health to share the full schedule of partner events during National Public Health Week and to provide metrics where available on outreach effectiveness.

Council members praised Metro Health’s accreditation and outreach work: Jacob noted the department is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and that San Antonio earned a 2024 gold medal rating from City Health, a collaboration of the De Beaumont Foundation and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Jacob closed by inviting committee members to attend and table at Public Health Fest and said staff would follow up on any additional questions.

The update concluded with committee appreciation for Metro Health’s communication and vaccination efforts and with staff offering to share additional event and outreach details on request.