Est. 1981
Vol. 70, Issue 5
Fe b r u a r y 2 5 - M a r c h 4 , 2 0 2 5
THE PAISANO
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline
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WELLBEING SERVICES WARNS of MEASLES EXPOSURE Infectious window likely occurred after visit, health officials stress caution, awareness. By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
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n individual testing positive for measles was confirmed to have visited the UTSA Main Campus for a tour on UTSA Day. While the risk for infection among vaccinated individuals is extremely low, those present on campus on Feb. 15 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or up to two hours after, should monitor for developing symptoms. On Sunday, Feb. 16, UTSA Wellbeing Services announced via Instagram and email about the possible exposure. The announcement detailed the origin of the infected individual and possible symptoms that students should monitor for if they believe they may have been exposed. These symptoms include a high fever of up to 105°F, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, sore throat and a rash. The rash typically develops three to five days after the initial exposure, starting on the face. According to Associate Vice President for Strategic Communication and External Affairs Joe Izbrand, the individual’s infection window was believed to be after they visited Main Campus. There have been no confirmed measles cases in Bexar County. 7Speaking on Texas and Bexar County’s resilience from a potential measles outbreak, Deputy Director of Metropolitan Health San Antonio Anita Kurian advised caution and awareness. “Here in Bexar County, we do have a good vaccination coverage,” Kurian
“Measles is highly contagious, and if you’re unvaccinated there is a 90% risk that you will break down with the disease when you come in contact with a case.”
said. “But there are still pockets of unvaccinated individuals, which always poses a big threat. Measles is highly contagious, and if you’re unvaccinated there is a 90% risk that you will break down with the disease when you come in contact with a case.” Measles vaccination rates have declined slightly, especially after COVID-19. According to the CDC, “One person infected with measles can lead to a dozen other people becoming infected in any community where less than 95% of people have been vaccinated against measles.” This largely explains the increase in confirmed cases for West Texas counties like Gaines. According to TPR, Gaines County has the highest unvaccinated rate in Texas at 18%. Gaines County is considered the epicenter of the West Texas measles outbreak, which has produced 90 confirmed cases thus far. This is the worst measles outbreak Texas has experienced in 30 years. Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor of Infectious Diseases at UT Health San Antonio Dr. Jason Bowling spoke on the importance of community vaccination rates to maintain herd immunity. “It is good news that we haven’t had any cases in [San Antonio]. I think it’s important that we remain vigilant and aware,” Bowling said. “This outbreak in the panhandle is a reminder that even though measles is considered eliminated in the U.S., we remain at risk of losing that status. It requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring of vaccine rates. “This is a good time for people to look at their vaccine status, and make sure that they’re up to date with their recommended two doses of measles vaccine.” According to Kurian, the best way to avoid contracting measles is to get vaccinated.
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“This is a good time for people to look at their vaccine status, and make sure that they’re up to date with their recommended two doses of measles vaccine.” If one suspects they may have measles or starts developing symptoms, they should stay secluded from public spaces and remain home at all costs. If someone contracts measles and requires medical examination or treatment, they should call their healthcare provider in advance to allow them to prepare. The individual was confirmed to have visited several public settings in San Antonio and neighboring cities. According to Texas Public Radio, on Friday, Feb. 14, the individual visited
Texas State University from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Twin Peaks in San Marcos from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 15, the individual visited the UTSA Main Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; multiple San Antonio Riverwalk attractions, including Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Ripley’s Illusion Lab, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m; and Mr. Crabby’s Seafood and Bar in Live Oak between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 16, the individual visited Buccee’s in New Braunfels from 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Individuals present at these locations during these specified times — or up to two hours afterward — should monitor for developing symptoms. More information regarding measles can be found on the Metropolitan Health San Antonio website. This is a developing story. To stay updated, visit Paisano-online.com
Alumni hosts 41st annual Diploma Dash By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor With over 1,800 registered runners and nearly 1,200 in attendance, the 41st UTSA Alumni Diploma Dash, hosted by the UTSA Alumni Association, was a success despite the 30-degree temperature and misty conditions. “This was a banner year,” Jacob Cavazos, the Board President of the UTSA Alumni Association, stated in an interview with The Paisano. “We had more registered runners than we’ve ever had before. We’re out here in the cold, and it’s been misting all day. I’m curious to see how many we had show up, but it was over 1,000 today. It was beautiful to see all these people come out to support student scholarships, support the university.” The Diploma Dash is the largest chiptimed 5k in San Antonio, and it aims to raise over $150,000 to fund UTSA student scholarships. On Feb. 22, 1,174 people came to run — a significant increase from last year’s 997. The start and finish line stood in front of the Convocation Center at UTSA’s Main Campus. Runners gathered inside and in front of the building as early as 7 a.m. for the Race Day Festival, while the actual race was scheduled to start at 8 a.m. There were 26 sponsors this year, some of which set up booths and tents to supply the runners with snacks and refreshments. North Park Subaru presented the event. For the first time, finisher medals were awarded to participants. Joaquin De La Cruz finished first overall and for males with a time of 16 minutes,
51 seconds. Hannah Cole finished first for females at 21 minutes, 29 seconds, and 27th overall. The top male and female students were Edwards Irizarray-Santiago and Stephany Castruita. Their times were 19 minutes, 10 seconds, and 22 minutes, 49 seconds, respectively. Marie Degennaro, who placed 956th after 54 minutes, 53 seconds, runs the Diploma Dash every year with her husband, John Degennaro, and dog Luna; however, this year was different from the rest. “I got second in my age group, which was 65 and up, but there [were] probably only three women in my age group ‘cause I’ve never placed in anything in my life,” Degennero said. She went on to share the significance of the race for her and her family. “My husband has his master’s from here, my son [his] undergrad and our daughter has her undergrad, and she’ll be graduating with her master’s this spring,” Degennero said. “So it’s just to support the university that our family has attended, and they’ve gotten great educations here in their respective degree programs. I know the funds support the university and all, so it’s a lot to us.” Cavazos expressed his gratitude for this year’s turnout. “We’re so thankful for our [alumni], the community, students, faculty to come out and support our events, but more specifically, the UTSA Diploma Dash,” he said. “It’s one of our signature events that we do every year; [it] raises dollars
Courtesy of Alumni Assoction
Alumni and community members running in the Diploma Dash, Joaquin De La Cruz crosses finish line earning first place.
for students’ scholarships. And so we’re so proud to be able to support universities [and to] support students this way.” He shared the significance the Diploma Dash holds for him as a UTSA alumnus. “I graduated in 2006,” Cavazos said. “I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships, receive support from the
university, [and] receive support from the community. And so, to be able to be a part of giving back to students, the university, it means the world. And events like this make it happen.” To view the full extent of the 41st UTSA Alumni Diploma Dash results, visit chuckscore.com.