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.

While a measles case has yet to be confirmed in San Antonio and Bexar County, hundreds of thousands of residents may have been exposed to the virus spreading rapidly throughout the state.

Officials say an individual who tested positive for the virus in West Texas traveled to two major universities and one of the nation's busiest tourist attractions — the San Antonio River Walk.