69 °F
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Wednesday a case of measles in Houston, according to the City’s Health Department.
The Health Department detailed that a boy between 1 and 3 years of age contracted the illness. The boy was being treated at Texas Children’s Hospital.
This is the first case of measles in Houston since 2013. The Health Department has found that, so far, no other persons who could have been exposed are at risk of having contracted the illness.
Houston has averaged less than one reported case of measles each year over the past decade.
Measles is a very contagious viral illness because it is airborne and the virus can stay alive on surfaces for a long period of time, according to medical experts.
However, doctors say the measles vaccine is very effective and recommend getting the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose get between four and six years of age.