Measles Outbreak In Texas

Right now, Texas is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak in 30 years. This outbreak has already resulted in the first measles-related death in the United States in a decade, that of an unvaccinated school-aged child.

“The current measles outbreak is concerning given how many people have been affected in such a short period of time,” says Legacy Community Health pediatrician Brittany Hodgson, MD. “Measles is a very contagious disease. Children, particularly unvaccinated or undervaccinated children, are more at risk of contracting measles and are at risk of being hospitalized due to pneumonia. The U.S. has had several measles outbreaks over the years, but this particular outbreak has led to the first death due to measles in the US in 10 years. This is heartbreaking.”

Measles Spreads Quickly

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, with one infected person on average spreading the virus to 12–18 unvaccinated people. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets, meaning people who are in the same vicinity as someone who is contagious can easily become infected. Furthermore, the virus is able to linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has already left the space.

Measles can lead to serious health problems like pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and deafness. It can lead to immunosuppression – basically a wiping out of the body’s immune system memory – which dangerously predisposes people to opportunistic infections for weeks or months afterwards. It can also result in death.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Measles

As measles cases continue to rise, it’s important that people understand the symptoms and preventative measures they can take to protect their family and community.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), measles symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after someone is first infected. Early symptoms include a runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and a high fever potentially exceeding 104°F, which requires medical attention.

Within 2–3 days, small white spots called Koplik spots can develop inside the mouth. Then, 3–5 days after the first signs of being sick, flat red spots spread to become a red rash across the body, usually starting at the hairline and then moving downwards. Fever often accompanies the rash, which can go higher than an already dangerous 104°F temperature.

Given the seriousness of measles, anyone with symptoms should get immediate medical help. Individuals should also avoid public spaces and stay home from work and school to prevent further spread.

“If you or a family member have been exposed to someone with measles, please call your healthcare provider,” says Dr. Hodgson. “They can help determine if you are immune and decide how to best evaluate you, keeping your safety as well as the safety of other patients and medical office staff in mind. They can decide if the MMR vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin may be helpful to prevent infection.”

The Importance of Vaccination and Preventative Measures

About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get the measles will end up being hospitalized. Measles is particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Public health officials are working hard to contain the outbreak. They point to the link between declining immunization rates and the resurgence of preventable diseases like this one, urging everyone who is able to get vaccinated to do so.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. A two-dose regimen offers 97% protection against the virus. As Dr. Hodgson explains, “The CDC and [American Academy of Pediatrics] recommend 2 doses of MMR to protect against measles. The first dose is recommended at 12 months old and the second dose is recommended at 4 years old. If you have had 2 doses and are not in the affected area, you do not need to get re-vaccinated. If someone isn’t sure of their vaccine status or knows that they do not have 2 doses of MMR, they can discuss with their doctors, who may order blood tests to check for evidence of immunity or decide to revaccinate.”

Unfortunately, Texas has seen a decline in MMR vaccination rates over the past five years. During the 2018-19 school year, nearly 97% of kindergarteners were vaccinated, but that number dropped to 94% in 2023-24. Although this may seem like a small change, measles requires a community immunity of at least 90-95% to prevent outbreaks.

It’s critical that those who can’t presently be vaccinated – such as infants less than a year old, women who may be or already are pregnant, people undergoing cancer treatment, certain organ transplant recipients, and immunocompromised individuals –  avoid large gatherings and places where active measles outbreaks are occurring in order to minimize the risk of catching the virus.

Meanwhile, people who haven’t yet received the vaccine but are eligible to do so can help protect their family members by setting up an appointment to be vaccinated. Scientific research has repeatedly confirmed that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. While a few measles cases are mild, the risk of not being vaccinated and then catching measles can lead to lifelong health complications and even death.

Says Dr. Hodgson, “Since unvaccinated individuals are most at risk of infection, getting vaccinated with MMR at this time would be the best way to get protection. However, it takes 2-3 weeks after vaccination to be fully protected. For those people who cannot or do not want to get vaccinated, avoiding large gatherings and travel to areas near and around the affected outbreak region would be wise.”

If someone catches the actual virus, immediate consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended. “The treatment for measles is largely supportive,” she notes. “There is no specific antiviral therapy for measles. Hydration (fluids) and medicines to control fevers are important. Monitoring for secondary infections, such as bacterial pneumonia or ear infections, is important as well. In severe cases, such as hospitalized patients, there are often other treatments that doctors may try to help treat the infection.”

Protect Yourself and Your Community

Texas’ measles outbreak is a reminder of the importance of doing everything possible to protect our families and community. Receiving the measles vaccine is the best way to do that. By staying informed, getting vaccinated, and taking necessary precautions, we can work together to stop the spread of measles and protect everyone’s health.

Legacy’s Interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tamisha Jones, shared our commitment to vaccinate all of Houston. “We have also heard the call to action. This is why we are holding a pediatric vaccination clinic this Saturday at our two biggest locations – especially for those who are on Medicaid, underinsured or uninsured.”

Legacy stands ready to address the growing spread of measles in our state, and to help prevent it from coming to Houston. “What we do at Legacy is take care of our entire community, and we are happy to do so. Please reach out to us on our website for more information on how to keep you, your children and your family safe.” This is just another way Legacy connects the community to care.

If you would like to set up an appointment to get vaccinated, are unsure about your vaccine status, or would like medical guidance about measles exposure, visit Legacy Community Health or call (832) 548-5000.