Houston officials report 3rd measles case of the year

Houston city health officials report today on the third confirmed measles case of 2025. The case involves an unvaccinated infant who was exposed to measles during international travel. The infant was hospitalized and has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

This case is not connected to the measles outbreak in West Texas. This case is not related to the two earlier cases of measles reported in Houston in January 2025.

Prior to 2025, the last measles cases reported in Houston was in 2018.

Dr. David Persse, Chief Medical Officer for the City of Houston emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe, highly effective, and remains the best defense against this potentially severe disease.”

Measles in the US through March 15, 2025

Health officials encourage parents to ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine on schedule. The first dose is recommended at 12 to 15 months of age, with a second dose at 4 to 6 years. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if early vaccination is appropriate. “Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, international travel continues to present a risk. Staying up to date on vaccinations helps protect both individuals and the broader community,” added Dr. Persse.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing or simply being near someone infected. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making it easy to contract in shared spaces.

Symptoms of measles include: High fever; cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes and a rash, typically starting on the face and spreading downward 2–5 days after initial symptoms.

While measles can infect anyone, complications can be severe and include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, or, in rare cases, brain inflammation (encephalitis), particularly, those at high risk include infants and children under 5 years old, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide a 97% protection rate and long-lasting immunity.