Houston reports first measles cases since 2018
Houston health officials reports identifying two confirmed cases of measles in adults associated with recent international travel. Both individuals reside in the same household and have unknown vaccination statuses.
These are the first reported measles cases in Houston since 2018.
Possible Measles Exposure Locations:
Bilingual Education Institute, 6060 Richmond Ave Ste 180 Houston, TX 77057 | Date : 12-19-24
Taco Bell, 3720 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021 | Date : 12-21-24
T-Mobile, 6120 Scott St Houston, TX 77021 | Date : 12-21-24
HEB, 6055 South Fwy, Houston, TX 77004 | Date : 12-21-24 to 12-26-24
New Ice, 6163 Wilcrest Dr, Houston, Tx | Date : 1-1-25
Anyone who was at one of the above locations at the listed date and time should make sure they are up to date on the measles vaccine (MMR).
Health officials are actively investigating the cases and conducting contact tracing to identify possible exposures and limit further spread of the disease. “Measles is a serious but entirely preventable disease,” said Dr. David Persse, Houston Health Department’s local health authority. “Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect individuals and the broader community from this highly contagious illness. Ensuring your immunizations are up to date is critical, especially in light of these recent cases.”
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.
The CDC and HHD recommend:
The first dose at 12–15 months of age
The second dose at 4–6 years of age