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.

A warning has been issued for three Texas cities after someone with measles visited them while contagious. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DHSH) shared the warning on Monday "so unvaccinated people may monitor themselves for symptoms and seek testing if symptoms occur.