A growing number of Central Texas health departments are warning residents of possible exposure to measles, the latest sign that the outbreak in West Texas is spreading across the state. Why it matters: Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease that has surged in areas with high vaccination exemption rates.

The Hays County Health Department has issued an alert of a potential measles exposure in San Marcos. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has issued an alert of a potential measles exposure there.

The Hays County Health Department said a Gaines County resident visited San Marcos, where Texas State is located, on Feb. 14. That individual has since tested positive for measles.