Texas health issues alert after 4 Montgomery County residents infected with measles
Brittany Taylor, Senior Digital Content Producer
Published: July 29, 2026 at 12:18 PM
HOUSTON – Texas health officials are warning residents and health care providers to stay alert after four cases of measles were confirmed in an unvaccinated Montgomery County family
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a health alert after the family members were infected by a person with measles who traveled to Texas from another state
Because measles is one of the most contagious viruses, state health officials said additional cases could occur, particularly among people who are not vaccinated
“Because measles is so contagious, additional cases could occur among unvaccinated people in the area,” DSHS said in the alert
Health officials are urging Texans to make sure they are protected by getting vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
According to DSHS, two doses of the MMR vaccine are more than 97% effective at preventing measles. The vaccine is available through health care providers, and free or low-cost options are offered for eligible families through the Texas Vaccines for Children program. Pharmacists can administer the vaccine without a prescription to people 14 and older and with a prescription for children 13 and younger
Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and often begin with:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
A few days later, a red rash usually develops on the face before spreading to the neck, trunk and the rest of the body
People with measles are contagious from about four days before the rash appears until four days after it develops. Anyone who suspects they have measles should stay home during that time to avoid spreading the virus
Health officials recommend calling your health care provider before going to a doctor’s office or clinic if you believe you’ve been exposed to measles. Calling ahead allows providers to arrange testing while reducing the risk of exposing other patients
Measles spreads through coughing, sneezing or simply being near an infected person. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area
While many people recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in some cases, death
DSHS said people with measles should seek emergency medical care if they develop difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, confusion, weakness, decreased alertness or other sudden changes in behavior. For young children, warning signs include a blue color around the mouth, crying without producing tears, severe loss of appetite or unusually low energy
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