Measles Cases on the Rise in Texas: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Protected
Health officials are urging Texas residents to stay informed following a measles outbreak in the South Plains region, where 159 cases have been reported since late January. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 22 patients have been hospitalized, and one unvaccinated school-aged child has died from complications of the disease. While no cases have been confirmed in Harris County as of March 4, 2025, experts warn that measles is highly contagious and could spread to surrounding areas.
What is Measles and Why is it Dangerous?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease is particularly dangerous for babies, young children, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised individuals.
Dr. Brown, a health official with Harris County Public Health (HCPH), emphasized the risks: “Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, which spreads through coughing and sneezing. However, it is easily preventable through vaccination. Parents and caregivers have the power to protect their children from this disease by vaccinating them.”
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A Personal Toll: The Symptoms of Measles
For many families, measles starts like any other illness—a mild fever, a runny nose, or a cough. But within days, symptoms intensify, leaving children with red, watery eyes, severe discomfort, and a high fever. Parents often describe feeling helpless as they watch their child’s energy drain away. The most alarming sign comes when a distinctive red rashappears, first on the face, then spreading down the body. For some children, this rash is just the beginning—many experience severe complications like difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and dangerous fevers that lead to hospitalization.
Doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital warn that measles is not just a rash—it can have lasting effects. Some children suffer from pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), or even permanent hearing loss. Tragically, some cases end in death, as seen in the current outbreak affecting Texas communities. During outbreaks, about one in five infected individuals require hospitalization, and one in 1,000 cases leads to brain swelling, which can cause permanent damage.
How is Measles Transmitted?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. If one person has measles, 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with them will also become infected. The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, making public places especially risky during an outbreak.
According to Texas Children’s Hospital, measles weakens the immune system, leaving children vulnerable to other infections. The resurgence of measles in the U.S. is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates, particularly in certain communities where herd immunity is compromised.
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How to Protect Your Family: The MMR Vaccine
The best way to prevent measles is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which has been in use for nearly 50 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccination schedule:
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First dose: 12-15 months of age
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Second dose: 4-6 years of age
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is 93% effective. The vaccine is safe and has been instrumental in reducing measles-related deaths worldwide.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
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Children should receive the MMR vaccine on schedule. However, children 6-11 months old can receive an early dose if they are traveling internationally or exposed to an outbreak.
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Unvaccinated adults who are not immune should also receive the MMR vaccine.
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Some individuals cannot be vaccinated, including babies under six months old and those with certain medical conditions. These individuals rely on community-wide immunity to stay protected.
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What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed
If you believe you or your child has been exposed to measles, contact your healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent spreading the virus. The MMR vaccine can be given within 72 hours of exposure to help prevent infection, and in some cases, immune globulin (IG) may be administered to lessen the severity of the disease.
HCPH encourages community members to call 832-927-7350 to schedule a vaccine appointment at a local clinic. For a full list of recommended vaccines, visit the CDC website or consult your healthcare provider.
Why Measles is Making a Comeback
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning there was no continuous transmission of the disease. However, cases have reemerged in recent years due to declining vaccination rates. In 2024, 89% of measles casesoccurred in unvaccinated individuals, and in 2025, 95% of cases have been reported in those without prior immunization.
Texas Children’s Hospital experts stress that measles spreads rapidly when vaccination rates drop, making immunization essential for community-wide protection.
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Preventing the Spread of Measles
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Vaccinate on schedule to protect yourself and those who cannot be immunized.
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Avoid large crowds or public gatherings if there is a known outbreak.
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Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently and covering coughs/sneezes.
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Report suspected measles cases to healthcare providers immediately.
Wrapping It Up
With the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas, public health officials are urging families to take preventative actionthrough vaccination. Measles is a serious, preventable disease, and ensuring high immunization rates is the most effective way to keep communities safe.
For more information or to schedule a vaccination, contact Harris County Public Health or your local healthcare provider. Staying informed and vaccinated is the key to protecting our children and preventing further outbreaks.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
