HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Health Department disclosed on Friday the emergence of measles cases in the city for the first time in seven years.
Two adults from the same household have been diagnosed with the disease. The vaccination status of these individuals remains unknown.
Health officials have connected the cases to international travel. Efforts are underway to conduct contact tracing to identify potential exposure and prevent further spread.
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It remains airborne for up to two hours.
Symptoms often begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically develops three to five days after the initial symptoms, starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body.
Complications can include severe diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, and, in severe cases, encephalitis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.
The first dose is typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age, with the second dose given between ages four and six.
Adults born after 1957 who have not been vaccinated are also advised to receive at least one dose. Certain individuals, such as healthcare workers, college students, and international travelers, may require two doses for full protection.
The resurgence of measles in the United States in recent years is attributed to declining vaccination rates. Vaccine hesitancy, often driven by misinformation about vaccine safety, poses a significant public health challenge.
The CDC and other health organizations continue to emphasize that vaccines are safe and effective.
