Houston's First Measles Cases Since 2018

The Houston Health Department (HHD) recently announced two measles cases associated with international travel. Both adults reside in the same Houston, Texas household and have unknown vaccination statuses.

HHD stated these are the first reported measles cases in Houston since 2018.

Texas experienced a travel-related measles outbreak in 2019, which led to 23 cases.

Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, as of late December 2024, 32 U.S. jurisdictions, led by Illinois and Minnesota, had reported 284 cases, many of which were travel-related.

Internationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a global Watch-Level 1 Travel Health Notice identifying measles outbreaks in 59 countries last year.

As of January 19, 2025, HHD and the CDC say the most effective way to prevent measles virus infections is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles vaccination services are offered at most travel clinics and pharmacies.