Local restaurant reacts to learning of visit from person infected with measles

April 28, 2025 / Sophie Clearwater /

AUSTIN (KXAN) – South Austin Mexican restaurant Curra’s celebrated its 30th anniversary on April 1.

“I always say, ‘It’s a team [effort],’” said Julieta Rodriguez, Curra’s co-owner. “I told my employees I only have two hands. I cannot hold the building without their help.”

Though it has been open for 30 years, the Mexican restaurant experienced something new on Friday – that is, finding out from the news that a person infected with measles had dined at their restaurant.

“My very good friend was watching the news,” Rodriguez said. “I get a screenshot from her telling me we were on the news.”

“I was afraid,” Rodiguez continued. “I was more concerned about my stuff than anything else.”

Rodriguez said her staff is vaccinated and so far free of any symptoms.

Public health leaders hosted a press conference Monday to discuss Travis County’s second measles case of 2025.

“The case involved a fully vaccinated adult who may have been exposed to measles while they were traveling within the United States,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin Public Health’s Medical Director. “Those who have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms through Wednesday, May 11.”

Walkes said that because the person was vaccinated, their symptoms have been mild.

“Those who are unvaccinated face severe symptoms that could lead to hospitalization and even death. The best way to protect yourself from measles is to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine,” Walkes said.

Exposure locations

Office Building 300 Colorado Street | Wednesday, April 16, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Maaribu (Coffee Shop) 1413 S 1st Street | Thursday, April 17, 8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Curra’s (Restaurant) 614 E Oltorf Street | Thursday, April 17, 5:45 – 9:30 p.m.
Starbucks | 1920 E Riverside Drive | Friday, April 18, 10:08 a.m. – 12:08 p.m.
UPS Store | 2407 S Congress Ave STE E | Saturday, April 19, 1 – 5 p.m.
Hestia | 607 W 3rd St #105 | Saturday, April 19, 5:45 – 11 p.m.
Walgreens | 1920 E Riverside Drive Bldg B | Sunday, April 20, 8:45 – 12 p.m.
Pueblo Viejo | 2410 E Riverside Drive Ste. H-8 | Sunday, April 20, 8:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
CareNow | 1920 E Riverside Dr Suite A110 | Sunday, April 20, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

In a statement, APH said it has been working “overtime” since Friday due to the number of potential exposures.

When asked for a comment on whether it had reached out to Curra’s directly after discovering a person infected with measles had dined there, a spokesperson said, “a public announcement was necessary to reach as many people as possible.”

“Our immediate priorities were to notify close contacts at highest risk and to inform the broader public quickly. Given how contagious measles is and the urgency to protect the community, we moved forward with public notification,” the statement continued.

Symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact with the measles. APH said these are the common symptoms: