Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Measles can have serious complications, especially for babies and young children, such as hospitalization, pneumonia, and even death. 

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left. The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV).   The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective. 

The spread of measles can be prevented if two-dose coverage of vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community. 

Most people who are vaccinated with MMR will be protected for life.

Individuals who were exposed and who were born in Texas, but do not have their vaccinations can contact the health department to see if their immunizations are within IMMTRAC, the state immunization registry. Individuals seeking their record can email their contact information to HCHDImmunizations@hayscountytx.gov.

With insurance:  Adults and children can visit their healthcare provider or a pharmacy. Most people can check their insurance website to find a provider.

Without insurance: Vaccines are available through the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net Providers (Hays County Health Department provides these).

Call (512) 393- 5520 to schedule an appointment or just walk in during our clinic hours! 

Common symptoms for measles include:  

• High fever (as high as 105°F)  
• Cough  
• Runny nose  
• Red and watery eyes  
• Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin  
• Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body. 

Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected (not vaccinated or previous infection).

• All individuals who are not vaccinated or have not had a previous measles infection  
• Children younger than 5 years of age  
• Adults older than 20 years of age  
• Pregnant people  
• People with weakened immune system, such as from leukemia or HIV infection. 

You are protected against measles if:

• You’ve had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
•  You’ve had measles in the past
• You’re born before 1957 and have presumptive immunity (you likely were exposed to measles at some point and developed natural immunity)

Please reference this webpage for CDC measles information and recommendations for medical providers.

Please visit the DSHS measles updates  site to follow the ongoing outbreak in west Texas.

The CDC also has a measles webage dedicated to measles information.