Houston Virus Advisory: Measles

Virus Alert Warning (2025)

There have been three confirmed cases of measles within Houston since March 2025

The latest 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.

HHD is actively investigating the case and is working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to help prevent it from spreading. HHD urges anyone who develops symptoms of measles to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to prevent potential exposure to others.

Should you need to travel internationally or to any domestic (United States) area of the measles outbreak, early vaccination is available and recommended (as early as 6 months old with a second dose available in as little as 28 days after the first dose). Call your doctor or the Health Department at 832-393-4220

For questions or concerns email Measlesinfo@houstontx.gov. Allow 24 hours for a response.

Resources

Where to get the vaccine | HHD
More information | CDC

Other Vaccine Resources
Find a Provider: Texas Vaccine for Children
Find a Provider: Adult Safety Network

Measles Town hall

Measles 101 Town Hall : Educators and Staff

About our Speaker
LaShawnda Harris, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Texas Woman's University

Measles Tips

ABOUT MEASLES

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

High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Rash, typically starting on the face and spreading downward 2–5 days after initial symptoms

PREVENTION

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
Where to get the vaccine

VACCINE ACCESS IN HOUSTON

Insured Individuals: Contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to check vaccine availability.
Uninsured or Underinsured Individuals: Free or low-cost vaccines are available at the city health centers through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) or Adult Safety Net (ASN) programs.

For additional information about measles, symptoms, or vaccination, learn more from the CDC or contact the Houston Health Department at 832-393-4220.

HOW TO REPORT

For Staff, notify the nurse/principle, for Nurses, notify the principle or your district resource.

IF I SUSPECT MEASLES IN A STUDENT, A STAFF MEMBER OR MYSELF

Do Not Move an individual suspected of Measles into an area with out FIRST notifying all persons in that area of your pending arrival.

Mask the person suspected of having measles, remove all persons from the immediate area and guide the masked person to the school nurse (if no nurse, notify principle for an area to quarantine the individual). Arrange for the immediate area (where the person was identified as being suspected for measles) to be quarantined for at least 2 hours and disinfect all surfaces with standard disinfection agents.

In Texas, suspicion of measles is required to be reported immediately. | Texas Notifiable Conditions - 2025

Identify all persons in immediate area who are not vaccinated and prepare for 21 day exclusion.

Learn More

INFECTIOUS PERIOD

People with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS AND HIGH-RISK GROUPS

While measles can infect anyone, complications can be severe and include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, or, in rare cases, brain inflammation (encephalitis). Those at the highest risk include:

Infants and children under 5 years old
Pregnant individuals
People with weakened immune systems

WHAT TO DO IF EXPOSED OR SYMPTOMATIC

If you believe you have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms:

Isolate yourself immediately to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Contact your healthcare provider by phone to arrange testing in a way that minimizes exposure to others.
Watch for symptoms, which typically develop 7–21 days after exposure.

EXCLUSIONS

Interim Guidance for Measles in Schools, March 2025 This document provides information for schools on proactive measures they may take now and steps to follow if a case of measles is identified within a school. Measles is a serious health concern and can disrupt learning due to students being out of school for illness and exclusion from school. The best protection against measles is vaccination.

Learn More

Measles 101 Videos