The Houston Health Department has confirmed an active measles case in the metro area, prompting a public health alert. The infected individual visited the Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center at Voss, leading hospital officials to notify those who may have been exposed.
The case was identified when multiple patients received calls on Monday, March 17, informing them of possible exposure during visits to the emergency care center the previous week.
Houston Methodist officials stated that they promptly alerted all potentially exposed individuals as a precaution. They emphasized that those who have received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are likely immune. Individuals uncertain of their vaccination status are advised to consult their primary care physician.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state’s measles outbreak has now reached 279 confirmed cases, with 20 new infections recently reported. Most cases are in Gaines County, primarily among unvaccinated individuals.
Health officials recommend that Houston residents concerned about exposure confirm whether they were in contact with a verified measles case. Even vaccinated individuals are advised to quarantine for 21 days to prevent potential spread, especially to those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or too young to be vaccinated.
For pregnant women exposed to measles, post-exposure prophylaxis is available and should be administered within six days to be effective. While health experts urge vigilance, they stress that there is no need for unnecessary panic.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that poses serious health risks, especially to unvaccinated individuals. According to the CDC, symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a distinctive rash. In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.
Health officials strongly recommend vaccination as the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles. For more information, residents can visit the Houston Health Department’s website or consult their healthcare providers.
