Harris County Public Health is working on identifying any exposed individuals
HOUSTON – Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is currently investigating a measles case confirmed by a commercial laboratory involving a child under the age of 18 who lives in northwest Harris County and has no travel history. The patient’s identity will remain confidential. HCPH is awaiting secondary confirmation of the case by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), which is standard protocol. HCPH is simultaneously conducting a thorough contact tracing investigation to identify any individuals who may have been in close contact with the child.
“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, which spreads through coughing and sneezing. This is a great reminder about the importance of keeping children up to date with vaccines,” said Dr. Ericka Brown, Local Health Authority for HCPH. “Measles is easily preventable through vaccination.”
The last confirmed report of a measles case in unincorporated Harris County was in 2019, in which four individuals were treated. As of April 1, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported 422 measles cases across the state this year.
Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Measles is an airborne virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of measles are a high fever, runny nose, cough, red-watery eyes, and sore throat that is followed by a rash breakout 3-5 days after symptoms begin.
Measles is highly contagious, and if one person has it, nine out of 10 people around that person will also become infected if they’re not yet vaccinated. About one in four people who get measles will be hospitalized. Measles is prevented through the combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get two doses:
- First dose: 12 through 15 months of age
- Second dose: 4 through 6 years of age
The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable
diseases is by immunization. HCPH encourages individuals to contact their healthcare provider if they show signs and symptoms of measles.
Community members can call (832) 927-7350 to schedule a vaccine appointment at an HCPH clinic in their area. You can also find this information on the HCPH website. For a list of recommended vaccines, please visit the CDC’s website or speak to your healthcare provider.
