HOUSTON, Texas– Health officials in Houston are addressing a new case of measles, the third reported in the city this year.
The latest case involves an infant too young for vaccination, and while the child was initially hospitalized, they are now recovering at home.
Dr. David Persse, Houston’s chief medical officer, confirmed that the child tested positive for measles.
The city’s recent measles cases have all been linked to international travel.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently 57 countries experiencing high levels of measles transmission, including the United Kingdom, Belgium, Armenia, Kenya, Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Many of these countries have direct flights to Houston, while others are connected through various international hubs.
Nationwide, measles cases are on the rise, with more than 300 confirmed cases in the U.S. so far in 2025.
This exceeds the 285 cases reported throughout 2024. Two deaths have been linked to the virus this year — a school-aged child in West Texas and an adult in a neighboring area of New Mexico. Both victims were unvaccinated.
In Houston’s recent case, the infant’s parents are vaccinated, but the child was too young to receive the vaccine, as the recommended age for the first measles shot is 12-15 months.
Health officials have not released details about the potential travelers who may have been exposed to the virus. Contact tracing is ongoing, led by the CDC, in coordination with other local and national health agencies.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after exposure.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash. Complications can be severe, particularly for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Houston’s earlier measles cases this year were reported in January, involving two unvaccinated adults from the same household who had traveled abroad.
One of these adults required hospitalization, but no further infections were detected, likely due to the high vaccination rates among those they came into contact with.
The CDC recommends that children receive their first measles vaccine between 12-15 months, followed by a second dose between ages 4-6.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported 259 cases, including 34 hospitalizations and one child fatality. An additional 35 cases have been linked to a region in New Mexico. Health officials stress that maintaining a 95% vaccination rate within communities is vital to preventing the spread of the virus.
