Houston Health Department investigating two possible measles cases​on February 28, 2025 at 11:27 pm

HOUSTON — The Houston Health Department is investigating two possible cases of measles. They are not releasing any details about the ages, locations or how the patients may have been infected. 

These are separate from the two cases reported in January that involved international travel, the health department said those cases have now been closed. 

The city is hosting a free vaccine clinic on Saturday for TVFC and ASN-eligible people. 

• Sunnyside Health Clinic
• 4410 Reed Road
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Harris County Public Health also offers low-cost vaccines at its clinics.

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we face, and it can have serious health consequences, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. David Persse, Chief Medical Officer for the City of Houston. “The best way to prevent measles is! through vaccination, which is safe, effective, and provides long-term protection.”

On Thursday, Houston Mayor John Whitmire told KHOU 11 he is confident in the city’s ability to swiftly respond to any potential measles cases. The mayor said he is getting regular updates from health officials.

“When you get a measles breakout, you have to have full alert with the medical director, go to your emergency centers, get the best real time information,” Whitmire said.

While no surrounding counties have reported cases, Houston is set to host people from across the state at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected at the three-week event, which begins on Tuesday, March 4. 

Large crowds are also expected at the rodeo cook-off this weekend at NRG Park and downtown for the Rodeo Parade on Saturday morning.

Mardis Gras in Galveston and the spring break travel season mean a lot of visitors on the island, too.

RELATED: RodeoHouston closely monitoring measles outbreak 

KHOU 11 asked Dr. Pedro Piedra with Baylor College of Medicine if these large gatherings are a concern for the potential to spread the virus.

“As an infectious disease physician, the answer is absolutely yes,” he said.

He and other experts have been urging Texans to get vaccinated so they’re protected.

“Children are, I would say, at an increased risk, but so are adults,” said in an interview. “Measles doesn’t leave people behind.”

Piedra said the current landscape of public health is challenging due to an increase in public health skepticism and a decrease in vaccination rates in the state in recent years.

“Our vaccine coverage […] has decreased to a level that makes it more vulnerable at the population level for the virus to spread,” Piedra said.

Experts say if you have the measles vaccination, you don’t need to skip large events. 

“Don’t change your plans. We don’t want people canceling, for the simple reason that it’s not like COVID,” said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development. “We have a very effective vaccine. A single dose is more than 90 percent protective.”

The outbreak in West Texas continues to grow, according to new numbers released by the Texas Department of State Health Services on Friday.

They said 146 cases are now confirmed in the South Plains region, primarily in children in Gaines and Terry counties. All but 25 of the patients are under 18. 

• 0-4 years old: 46 cases
• 5-17 years old: 70 cases
• 18 or older: 25 cases

An unvaccinated child in Lubbock has died from measles. Twenty people are currently hospitalized, DSHS said.

This is the worst outbreak in Texas in 30 years.