HOUSTON — The Houston Health Department has confirmed the city’s first measles cases here since 2018.
Both patients are adults who have traveled internationally recently. They live in the same household.
Health officials are investigating the cases and conducting contact tracing to identify possible exposures and limit further spread of the disease. They also listed the following locations on their website that the people with measles visited after their exposure.
- Bilingual Education Institute, 6060 Richmond Ave Ste 180 Houston 77057 | Date: Dec. 19, 2024
- Taco Bell, 3720 Old Spanish Trail Houston 77021 | Date: Dec. 21, 2024
- T-Mobile,6120 Scott St Houston 77021 | Date: Dec. 21, 2024
- HEB, 6055 South Fwy, Houston 77004 | Date: Dec. 21, 2024 and Dec. 26, 2024
- New Ice,6163 Wilcrest Dr, Houston | Date: Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025
What to do if you’ve been exposed to measles
If you believe you’ve been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms, you should:
- 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.
Anyone who was at one of the above locations at the listed date and time should also make sure they are up to date on the measles vaccine (MMR).
- If you are not up to date, call your provider or local pharmacy to see about obtaining the vaccine.
- If you are concerned about cost you can call 832-393-4220 for information on where to find free or low-cost vaccines for eligible people.
“Measles is a serious but entirely preventable disease,” Dr. David Persse, HHD’s local health authority, said. “Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect individuals and the broader community from this highly contagious illness.”
How measles spreads
- Measles is a 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.
- People with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Measles symptoms
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash, typically starting on the face and spreading downward 2–5 days after initial symptoms
Potential measles 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 highest risk for complications include:
- Infants and children under 5 years old
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
How to prevent measles
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 and the second dose at 4–6 years of age
“Vaccination not only protects you, but it also helps shield those who cannot be vaccinated, such as young infants and individuals with certain medical conditions,” Persse added.
More information about vaccines