Measles Cases Continue to Rise in Texas

In January, two cases of measles were confirmed in Texas. Now, the number of cases continues to grow with the majority of those infected being unvaccinated, school-aged children.

Back in January of 2025, the Houston Health Department confirmed two cases of measles both associated with international travel. On January 29 one child contracted measles in Gaines County, Texas.

GAINES COUNTY ON HEALTH ALERT

Texas Health and Human Services issued a health alert after the number of cases in Gaines County escalated to six, all of which are unvaccinated school-aged children.

Now, schools across the state are on alert and urging parents to keep their children home if they are showing signs of sickness. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness and can spread like wildfire.

VISCIOUSLY CONTAGIOUS ILLNESS

Measles spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even just breathes.

Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

MEASLES EARLY SYMPTOMS

Symptoms usually show up about1-2 weeks after exposure and include:

• high fever
• cough
• runny nose
• red, watery eyes

"Just a few days later a telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body."

TEXAS DSHS RECOMMENDED PREVENTION

The best way to prevent measles is with two doses of the MMR vaccine. While vaccinated individuals can still get measles, their symptoms are usually milder, and they are less likely to spread it. The CDC recommends children get their first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Younger children who are not yet vaccinated are at higher risk for severe complications.